Abstract: Apparatus for predicting the cookoff characteristics of a confined explosive includes a cylindrical housing retained between an instrumentation plate and a witness plate. Small explosive samples contained in sample tubes are inserted within a heat conductive sleeve which is further disposed within the cylindrical housing. Electrical ring heaters are a source of heat the application of which eventually causes the confined explosive to react. Temperature measurements within the housing are obtained utilizing a thermocouple assembly which is inserted through the instrumentation plate and into a groove in the heat conductive sleeve. The degree of damage to the apparatus occasioned by the reaction of the heated explosive predicts the reaction of a full scale ordnance item containing that explosive to exposure to a fire.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a latch assembly wherein structural members are coupled to each other by an electric match-type device interposed therebetween. The latter device generally comprises a body portion having electrical connections thereto and a rigid mass of combustible material firmly adhered to an extremity thereof. At least a pair of the structural members are individually coupled to the combustible material. Remote activation of the match by the passage of electric current therethrough results in the firing of the combustible material and the consequent opening of the latch through the elimination of the coupling force between the structural members.

Abstract: A device for securing two missile sections together and allowing for quick ccess splice and separation of the missile sections.

Abstract: A cover (1) for protecting the surface (23) of a lens (3) disposed at the rear surface (21) of a guided projectile (7) is fabricated of Teflon or other soft material. Lens (3) faces rearward to receive guidance signals used to keep projectile (7) on a chosen path. Cover (1) protects lens surface (23) from combustive gases and particulates generated during projectile (7) firing, but must be removed shortly after firing to permit lens (3) to receive its guidance signals. Cover (1) comprises at least one vacated chamber (15) for receiving, via holes (17), high pressure combustive gases during firing. Subsequent to firing, the greater pressure within chamber (15) compared with the pressure surrounding cover (1) produces a net force of removal between cover (1) and projectile (7), causing cover (1) to be removed therefrom as desired.

Abstract: In combination: an elongated container comprising a plurality of explosively separable parts extending rearwardly from a closed forward end; a load in the rearward end of said container; and a frangible, unitary ballast member in the container between the closed end and the load.

Abstract: There is disclosing a novel dynamic seal for a projectile having an inter chamber for cylindrical canisters of discrete liquids wherein a circumferential gap is formed between adjacent canisters in said chamber. The seal comprises a ring member which is formed of an elastomeric material and possesses an annular chamber containing a deformable substance of relatively high density. The ring member is juxtaposed about said circumferential gap so that by the centrifugal force of the spinning projectile the ring member is deformed and forced radially against said gap, thereby sealing and preventing leakage of liquid through said gap.

Abstract: An explosively separable casing including a cylindrical afterbody and a circular cover for one end of the afterbody is disclosed. The afterbody has a cylindrical tongue extending longitudinally from one end which is matingly received in a corresponding groove in the cover. The groove is sized to provide a pocket between the end of the tongue and the remainder of the groove so that an explosive can be located therein. A seal is also provided between the tongue and the groove for sealing the pocket from the atmosphere. A frangible holding device is utilized to hold the cover to the afterbody. When the explosive is ignited, the increase in pressure in the pocket causes the cover to be accelerated away from the afterbody.

Abstract: A fragile, movable apparatus such as a rotatable infrared optical prism assembly is mounted in a projectile housing on a crushable support pad. When the projectile is launched, the fragile, movable apparatus crushes the pad and receives effective support from the pad. After launch, a resilient member positions the fragile, movable apparatus away from the crushed pad and provides the necessary freedom of movement for the fragile, movable apparatus.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for joining a guidance module housing to a bulkhead of a guided missile. The coupling assembly includes a plurality of levers extending through slots in the housing and bulkhead of the guided missile with a plurality of threaded fasteners extending through the levers and engaging a plate member integral with the housing. The threaded fastener is torqued to impart a pivoting motion to the lever about a fulcrum integral with the plate such that axial directed forces are transferred from the outer periphery of the lever to the housing which is forced to abut the bulkhead.

Abstract: Positive rocket motor pressure hull venting in the case of deck fires is vided by placement of thermite masses at spaced locations on the interior of the hull. Small cylindrical masses as well as strip formed masses are employed. The thermite mass includes a small amount of structurally formed aluminum as well as the conventional powdered aluminum.

Abstract: An adaptor housing is configured to hold a sub-diameter fuze mechanism on a onventional projectile.

Abstract: Vapor permeable microcapsules filled with volatile perfluoroalkyl bromide and used to tag articles for the detection thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel magnetically traceable or detectable explosive blended with a magnetic ferrite powder which facilitates the detection of the misfired explosive, e.g. dynamite, remaining in the field after blasting by a magnetic means but not to adversely affect the stability of the explosive. The ferrite powder is freed of any free alkalinity on the surface before blending with the explosive either by washing with water, neutralization with a dilute acid, reaction with an acid followed by washing with water or neutralization with an alkali and/or by coating with a polymeric material on the particles. The most efficient method for the coating of the ferrite powder with a polymeric material is the in situ polymerization of a radical-polymerizable monomer in contact with the ferrite particles in the presence of hydrogensulfite ions and the explosives blended with such a polymer-coated ferrite powder retain their stability even after a prolonged storage.

Abstract: A turbulence generator is provided on the forward end of a free flight ornce device to induce a turbulent boundary layer over the surface of the device. The turbulent layer generated is thicker than the normal boundary layer and helps reduce drag disparity between similar ordnance devices.

Abstract: Vapor permeable microcapsules filled with volatile perfluoroalkyl pentafluorosulfide and used to tag articles for the detection thereof.

Abstract: A dispenser retains a hermetically sealed metal canister which holds a pyrophoric fluid, radar chaff, other electronic countermeasure materials or a combination thereof for ejection from an aircraft. Several openings in the canister are sealed with Pyrofuze foil material closures and a Pyrofuze wire braid is interconnected between each of the closures and the canister in close proximity to a Pyrofuze delay braid having one end thereof fixedly attached to the canister. A safety tab on one corner of the canister extends downward between the delay braid and the wire braid to prevent cross ignition until the canister is fully ejected from the dispenser. When a gas producing squib on the dispenser is fired, the Pyrofuze delay braid is ignited by the flame front from the squib and the canister is forced from the dispenser causing the safety tab to be automatically removed from the canister.