Abstract: A method for making a storage vault includes a steel inner tank entombed within a reinforced concrete outer tank. The inner tank is covered with a thermal insulating spacer material and then wrapped with a sheet of liquid-impervious material to trap leaks from the inner tank. The spacer layer is made of a material which liquifies upon contact with the liquid stored within the inner tank. This permits the spacer layer to fill the space between the inner and outer tanks while permitting any leak to collect at a liquid collection region between the two. The leaked liquid collection region can be monitored through a leak detector tube. Since the covering of the inner tank with the spacer layer substantially fills the space between the inner and outer tanks, pouring the concrete outer tank is simplified and thermal insulation is maximized.

Abstract: Particulate ammonium nitrate for use as an oxidizer in solid propellants or xplosives is, according to a first alternative, produced in that a solid mixture of ammonium nitrate with phase stabilizers, e.g. metal oxides is melted in several small batches housed in spatially separate manner and reactively reacted, the melts of the individual batches are successively atomized by drawing off and the mixture is supplied cyclically to all the batches, the melt particles being solidified in a cooling gas sinking stream. According to another alternative, initially a phase-stabilizing additive in the form of a metalamine complex is reacted in the aqueous phase from metal nitrate and ammonia, dried and mixed with solid ammonium nitrate, the mixture is melted and then atomized by drawing off. In addition, both processes can be combined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pad which supports a utility access conduit in a roadway and permits relative movement between the conduit and the roadway without damaging the seal between them and which supports vehicular traffic for a time comparable to the life of the roadway itself, without the occurrence of any dipping in the vicinity of the access conduit. This is accomplished with a rectangular block of rubber or similar compressibly resilient elastomeric material which has an opening passing through it that snugly engages the access conduit. The invention also relates to a method for installing the pad in either a new or existing roadway.

Abstract: A water-filled pressure chamber (7) loaded by conventional pumps at pressures of several thousand bars is used to isostatically press explosive charges. Inside this pressure chamber (7) is a compression mold (6) having an inner/outer mold (1) consisting of several components. Explosives in the mold are subjected through an elastic sleeve (3) to liquid pressure (p), so that the interior pressure in the chamber will be nearly isostatic. Following pressure relief, Dimensionally accurate and homogeneous precision explosive charges are obtained.The present invention also includes the process using the pressure chamber. The invention increases manufacturing output and quality of explosive charges so produced.

Abstract: An annular bayonet vacuum cup allows a vacuum to be pulled on an annular bayonet and the bayonet to be filled with propellant that is devoid of air. The vacuum cup is transparent/translucent and allows the propellant to be seen as it leaves the exit end of the bayonet. This alerts an operator to cut off the vacuum pressure thereby to keep the excess of propellant flow to a minimum, which excess drops into the vacuum cup and is prevented from contaminating the vacuum line. The vacuum cup is disposable (an O-ring sealing ring being reusable) and eliminates propellant clean-up.

Abstract: A method to extract and recover plasticizers and their stabilizers from solid propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics (PEP source compositions) employs near critical liquid (NCL) or supercritical fluid (SCF) CO.sub.2 as the solvent. The extraction and ingredient recovery method provides an environmentally acceptable alternative to traditional open burning and destruction of PEP source compositions. CO.sub.2 solvent is nontoxic, nonflammable, noncorrosive, inexpensive, and does not generate any additional toxic or hazardous wastes. The solvent is totally inert when it is confined, pressurized, and possibly heated in direct contact with an energetic propellant or munition within a rocket motor or similar pressure vessel. CO.sub.2 readily undergoes a gas-to-liquid phase change to NCL conditions when confined and compressed to a pressure of 831 psig or greater at ambient temperature. By further increasing the pressure and temperature of NCL CO.sub.2 to 1058 psig and 31.3.degree. C.

Abstract: A roadway is shown as being formed of various strata or layers starting with a lowermost bed layer or stratum of compacted earth carrying a layer or stratum of compacted dry concrete mix; a layer of moisture impervious material covers the top of the stratum of dry concrete mix; a roadway pavement of wet concrete mix is carried atop the moisture impervious material; and air passages are formed through the roadway pavement as to be situated transversely thereof.

Abstract: In the inventive shaped charge, the main charge and the propagating charge are held together solely by the barrier. This union is possible (and is distinguished by pronounced freedom from flaws) because the barrier is produced directly in the cavity in which it is to remain and is able to conform with the utmost accuracy to the surfaces of the charges. The barrier is advantageously formed under vacuum. Factors to be considered in the selection of the barrier material are its fluidifiability, its solidification and shrinkage behavior, and its compatibility with the explosive. Suitable barrier materials include single- or two-component foams, casting compounds, resins and adhesives.

Abstract: A propellant formulation includes energetic particulate solids dispersed in a binder system of high molecular weight 1,2 syndiotactic butadiene and a plasticizer. The propellant is prepared by mixing above the melting temperature of the butadiene and without the use of solvents. The propellant is castable without curing.

Abstract: A transportation system including a solar energy collecting monorail structure formed with a photovoltaic surface layer having a solar energy converting means for converting the collected solar energy to electrical energy. A power distribution means for distributing stored energy to transit vehicles being propelled along the monorail structure or distributing excess energy to a remote power utility source. The monorail structure includes means for propelling a transit vehicle according to magnetic principals associated with transverse flux motors. The system also includes a computer controlled, elevation compensating monorail structure extrusion machine comprising a fabrication chamber which continuously fabricates the monorail structure along a monorail construction right-of-way.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means by which chemically or thermally gassed emulsion explosives can be packaged in symmetrical cartridges, such as cylindrical paper packages having crimped ends. After formation, the gassed emulsion explosive is formed into a continuous strip of generally constant width and height. The strip then is passed through a cooling bath to cool the emulsion explosive to a predetermined temperature. A desired length of emulsion then is cut from the cooled strip, and the cut length is wrapped with a paper packaging material to form a cartridge of emulsion explosive.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of producing pyrotechnical charges by mixing and granulating the included components in water, a considerable advantage from the point of view of safety. The method according to the invention also makes it possible to vary the percentage concentration of the included components so that the obtained pyrotechnical charges can either be used as delay charges or as ignition charges. Since, moreover, an acrylate binder is included, they will obtain superior mechanical strength properties.

Abstract: A prestressed concrete tank includes a pair of generally parallel, laterally spaced, straight concrete wall sections which are preshrunk by the application of compressive forces. Straight wall sections are constructed on top of a footing covered with a plurality of plastic sheets to reduce friction so that limited longitudinal movements of at least portions of each wall section are facilitated during the preshrinking operation. The ends of the tank comprise semicircular walls which are prestressed using wire tendons extending peripherally around the wall and tightened to impose centripetal forces on the wall and thereby place the same into circumferential compression. The walls each comprise a substantially vertical steel shell diaphragm with a layer of cementitious material such as shotcrete on each side thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a formable homogeneous propellant composition and to a process employing same for production of a self-supporting formed propellant charge. The propellant composition comprises a mixture of propellant grains and solvent-filled microcapsules in proportions suitable for consolidation under pressure to form the self-supporting formed propellant charge. The solvent-filled microcapsules comprise solvent suitable for partially solvating the propellant grains. The mixture of propellant grains and solvent-filled microcapsules are placed in a forming mold under sufficient pressure to rupture at least a substantial portion of the microcapsules. Pressure is maintained for a time sufficient to form the self-supporting formed propellant charge, after which the propellant charge can be removed from the forming mold and cured by exposure to drying heat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a saboted, light armour penetrating small caliber ammunition round.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for casting uncured solid propellant in solid propellant rocket motors includes a casting bayonet having annular slits formed in the exit end thereof that improve the fluidity and self-leveling behavior of the uncured propellant. Both of these effects eliminate or reduce the trapping of air in the cast propellant, thus providing a better product.

Abstract: A method of forming a falsework for formed concrete structures by providing tubular elements at longitudinal edges of metal planks and corner units, and providing slots in these tubular elements such that hooks engaged in these slots can brace metal plates against two adjoining such elements while the metal plates are supported by bars welded to the elements below the slots. After forming the falsework, concrete is poured and allowed to set to form a concrete structure of walls and a roof in a single concrete-pouring operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of combustible ammunition and relates chiefly to the manufacture of bottoms or covers for combustible cases.According to the invention, a combustible article is manufactured by pressing in a die 10 at least one sheet 21 of combustible paper containing nitrocellulose and having the shape of a disc, by virtue of a rigid movable punch 20 exerting a compressive force on a deformable flexible punch 22 arranged inside the said die 10 between the sheets 21 and the said movable punch 20. The flexible punch 22 is in the shape of a substantially cylindrical thick disc, consists of neoprene or a silicone resin and has a hardness of between 55 and 65 Shore at 20.degree. C. The pressing operation is accompanied by a thermoforming operation carried out at approximately 115.degree. C.The process is particularly suitable for the production of bottoms of combustible cases bearing studs or grooves on their side faces.

Abstract: This invention is a method and casing (1) for constructing a rigid structure upon the bottom of the water. The casing to be used is a lost pillar casing of particular shape. It is larger at the bottom than at a higher level and preferably is composed of flat plates formed into a polygonal cross sectional shape with similarity to a multiple sided pyramid. It can be combined with wall casings slit into recesses of the pillar casings. The wall casings can be double wall casings in which case concrete is filled therein and bulk stoney material is filled into the interior of the pillar casings or between the casings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a cementitious walled ground excavation outwardly of which ground settling is substantially eliminated. A form wall footing is initially erected and leveled upon the bottom of the excavation inward of the walls thereof and inner form walls are then erected upon the outer margin of the footing and anchored in position relative thereto after which an upstanding skeletal reinforcing rod frame is erected between the excavation and form walls and fluent cementitious material is poured about the skeletal framework between the excavation and form walls.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for stirring an explosive materials mixture maintained in a molten state to ensure homogeneity of its composition and for simultaneous transfer of predetermined quantities thereof, by effecting the transfers primarily in a horizontal direction, via a plurality of positive displacement piston-cylinder mechanisms and a corresponding plurality of pneumatically controlled spool valves for injection into a plurality of munitions items through detachable intermediate distribution elements that also serve as temporary risers.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for stirring an explosive materials mixe maintained in a molten state to ensure homogeneity of its composition and for transfer of predetermined quantities thereof, by transfers primarily in a horizontal direction, via a positive displacement piston/cylinder system and a pneumatically controlled spool valve for injection into a munitions item through a detachable intermediate element that serves as a temporary riser. An explosive material mixture, containing a molten component and particulate matter which would otherwise precipitate out, is thus delivered in a homogeneous form into an individual munitions item of arbitrary shape and size in an amount controlled to ensure safe and adequate filling of the munitions item, the provision of a small surplus of material to accommodate shrinkage during cooling of the filled explosive material, and limiting the amount of riser scrap that must be collected and disposed subsequent to each such filling.

Abstract: Process for forming a liner and cast propellant charge in a rocket engine casing without separately precuring the liner, comprising the steps of providing a blocked curable liner composition which is the reaction product of a prepolymer, an isocyanate curing agent, and a blocking agent; applying the liner composition to an internal surface of a rocket casing; preheating the casing and liner assembly to simultaneously prepare the assembly for receiving a propellant, unblock the liner, and precure the liner to a tacky state; casting the propellant change into interfacial contact with the liner; and cocuring the liner and propellant compositions. The blocked, curable liner composition has a very long pot life which is terminated by heating the composition sufficiently to uncouple the blocking agent from the isocyanate curing agent and initiate a rapid cure. The liner composition does not require precuring, as it is unblocked by preheating the liner and rocket casing sufficiently to receive to cast propellant.

Abstract: A solid grain block is housed in a casing with interposition of a heat protection layer and defines a combustion chamber, and a separation zone is formed between the solid grain and the heat protection layer of the rocket motor bottom structure by means of a skin detached from said layer and adhering to the solid grain, at least one of the two parts constituted by the detached skin and the heat-protection layer of the rocket motor bottom structure being provided with projections or teeth to ensure a minimum spacing of the detached skin with respect to said layer and to give easy access to the gases into the separation zone.

Abstract: In the production of explosive or detonating cords which are covered with plastic, a preliminary cord, which contains the explosive substance, is guided through the opening of an extrusion nozzle and is injection molded with plastic. Measuring sensors in the supply duct for the plastic monitor the temperature and/or the pressure in the supply duct. If permissible limit values are exceeded, a die piece and a spindle sleeve of the arrangement are driven out from a stationary block in opposite directions. The spindle sleeve divided in the lengthwise direction is separated by auxiliary drives from the cord. A plug is withdrawn from the wall of the supply duct by means of a further auxiliary drive in order to relieve pressure stressing. In addition, the preliminary cord is withdrawn from the danger region by reversal arrangment. Furthermore, when the protection arrangment is in the release state an additional cooling takes place.

Abstract: A fire wall constructed of a composite materials (10) includes a fire-protecting layer of intumescent material (16) integrated into the structure thereof. A plurality of layers of composite material (18) are laminated together to form the fire wall. An outer layer (14) is a shielding material such as fiber glass. Another layer (16) is an intumescent material in juxtapositional relationship between the outer shielding layer (14) and the composite layers (18). The shielding layer (14) and the intumescent layer (16) are co-cured with the composite layers (18) to make a fire wall having integrated fire-protection that is immediately usable without need of additional thermal protection materials.

Abstract: Pin point foundations are formed, the ground is flattened and levelled at the level of these foundations, peripheral recoverable shuttering is disposed on the ground and continuous rows of non recoverable shuttering defining the ribs are disposed at the center. The rows of shuttering are spaced apart by baryte cardboard elements providing sealing and insulation. On the upper face of the non recoverable shuttering are disposed means for spacing the trellis work reinforcing the floor. Then the concrete is poured by pumping and, after drying out the floor, only the peripheral shuttering is recovered.

Abstract: A circular slit plate having slits therein that are symmetrically positioned and originate near the center of the plate and extend radially toward the outer diameter thereof is used to deaerate solid rocket motor propellant and to provide a uniform propellant flow distribution during rocket motor casting.

Abstract: A method of making solid rocket propellant that facilitates tailoring of a variable burn rate. The method comprises molding binder and fuel and/or oxidizer to produce, for example, a molded strip of solid rocket propellant material. The molded solid rocket propellant material is formed into a desired shape by, for example, filament winding. In a preferred aspect, the solid rocket propellant is cured prior to being encased in a rocket motor casing. This improves rocket propellant to rocket engine casing bonding. Yet another aspect of this invention is a method of making solid rocket propellant comprising forming binder and oxidizer into separate strips and combining the binder and oxidizer strips to form solid rocket propellant material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of constructing a footing and a foundation wall thereon, and form therefore in a hardenable building material for use in a continuous, perimeter type building foundation. An improved shape for the footing and foundation wall is disclosed which allows the use of a novel formwork system, thus permitting both elements to be cast simultaneously in a monolithic arrangement. Additionally, the cast shape of the foundation system is such that the basic function of transmitting superimposed building loads to the earth is an improvement over the more traditional types of foundation systems. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, much of the formwork is expendable and is permanently left in place, being removed only where visable in the finished structure.

Abstract: In mass production of explosive warheads, heat-meltable explosive material s continuously converted from an amorphous mass into small solid granules by directing melted exposive in a thin continuous stream against the upper inside surface of a rotating, generally bell-shaped vertically symmetrical element. Gravity and centrifugal force move the explosive downwardly on the said surface until it is flung off the bottom rim of the rotating bell element as small droplets. The droplets free-fall inside a surrounding cold air chamber which congeals them into solid granules of the explosive material which can then be loaded into the warheads. In another aspect of the invention, an explosive soluble in warm water, e.g., nitroguanidine, is provided in a contiuous warm water solution flow to the inside surface of the rotating bell-shaped element to generate free-falling solution droplets from its lower rim.

Abstract: A high acceleration high performance solid rocket motor grain such as for a ballistic defense missile or rocket assisted projectile comprises a propellant material which includes a highly plasticized binder so that the grain has a solids ratio equal to at least about 95 percent. In order that the grain with such a solids ratio may have adequate strength and withstand high acceleration forces, a reticulated structure is embedded therein. A method of constructing a rocket motor having such a grain is also disclosed.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomer particulates, oxidizer particulates, fuel particulates, plasticizers and other propellant formulation ingredients are mixed to produce a dry blend. The dry blend is tightly packed into a rocket motor casing or mold. The dry blend is then heated in place, beginning at the bottom and continuing upward, to fuse the thermoplastic elastomer. During fusion, vacuum and mechanical compaction pressure are used to eliminate interstices. Upon cooling, a solid propellant grain is produced.

Abstract: A method of assembling a shaped charge projectile employing a fluted liner includes the steps of, first, loading an explosive propellant material in a hollow projectile case, next, preforming a shaped cavity in the propellant material, then, loading a fluted hollow linear into the cavity and, finally, consolidating the propellant material in the projectile case. The consolidation is carried out by engaging the liner with an interface sleeve mounted on an end of a punch and applying consolidating pressure against the propellant material via the sleeve and the liner. The sleeve is composed of resiliently-yieldable and deformable elastomer material having an original shape similar to that of the hollow interior of the liner but without any flutes formed thereon which would match the fluted liner.

Abstract: A firearm, black powder cartridge for a projectile, including a formed casing of a major quantity of an alkaline nitrate with minor amount of a fibrous, essentially pure cellulose forming a consumable, inflammable case, for containing propelling black powder and holding a projectile. The projectile may be lightly coated with a solid, dry lubricant which is useful for muzzle loading weapons and breech loading weapons. The cartridge produces a minimal of residue which is essentially non-corrosive.

Abstract: Solid propellant is first placed in a closed container with a solution of ter and detergent. A water slurry is then created by injecting compressed air in superheated steam into the solution to place the propellant and solution under several atmospheres of pressure and at the same time to raise the temperature of the solution to 400.degree.-600.degree. F. This results in oxidation of the propellant into such constituents as carbon dioxide, water, nitrous oxide and etc. These constituents are then removed by absorption.

Abstract: A process for preparing a porous propellant grain which comprises blending at least two combustible materials to form a homogeneous mixture, adding a predetermined amount of a liquid dispersant to said mixture to form a slurry, and flash drying the slurry in order to form a porous, single grain propellant having a greatly increased burning surface. A single grain propellant is produced having a flat, torroidal shape with a central cylindrical core and honeycombed with a plurality of porous channels extending entirely through the grain to increase the burning surface thereof.

Abstract: A pipe flange fire-proofing kit and process for forming a cast-in fire-stop coupling from normal pipe (22) includes a flange member (10) which is separate from the normal pipe, annularly-shaped top and bottom spacer collars (12 and 14), and an annularly-shaped fire barrier collar (16). Each of these members is slid onto a pipe stub (24) cut from a normal pipe with the top spacer collar being at a top end thereof, the bottom spacer collar being at a bottom end thereof, the fire-barrier collar of intumescent material being immediately adjacent the bottom spacer collar, and the flange member being between the fire barrier collar and the top spacer collar. The flange member is adhered to the pipe stub by an adhesive.

Abstract: An improved surface seeded exposed aggregate concrete and method of use is disclosed characterized by use of small, rounded aggregate, preferably sand, being broadcast over the upper surface of the concrete. The broadcast aggregate is mixed into the cement paste derived from the concrete matrix by magnesium hand floats and finished by hand sponging. A surface retarder and vapor barrier is than applied to cover the concrete surface for approximately four to twenty four hours. Subsequently, any surface film is washed from the surface of the concrete and the concrete is cured by fogging or soaker hose. Approximately thirty days later, the surface residue is removed from the concrete with a stem/acid wash providing an exposed aggregate concrete having extreme flatness and high wear resistance suitable for high traffic areas and improved asthetics resembling stone, granite or marble.

Abstract: A method of completely filling mines and underground cavities in such a way as to reinforce the strata and ground thereabove in order to prevent collapse or subsidence. The method comprises introduction into mines and cavities, expandable plastic materials which are incorporated into a chemically catalysed foam reaction and strongly bonded thereby. The heat required to expand foamable plastic materials many-fold is provided by the chemically exothermic polymerization reaction of polymeric isocyanate with polyols and epoxides by basic catalysis which promotes highly exothermic urethane/isocyanurate polymer formation in the presence of suitable blowing agents and surfactants.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for finishing freshly poured concrete. The method includes floating a power trowel on the liquid-particulate surface of freshly poured concrete to produce a smooth, level surface finish prior to the concrete's hardening sufficiently to support the weight of an individual.

Abstract: In situ wood preservative treatment of a wooden railroad tie. The method includes the steps of injecting a paste-like preparation having a water soluble fungicide into one or more unoccupied spike holes in the rail supporting tie plate. The preparation lodges in crevices and recesses in communication with the spike hole, killing existing decay fungi. Over a period of time the fungicide follows existing or subsequently developed paths of moisture to more remote decay sites.

Abstract: A structural mounting for a heavy machinery with rotating parts being supported between a foundation surface and the heavy machinery is disclosed which includes an impermeable foundation surface supporting spaced apart columns of epoxy or similar grouting material with epoxy or similar grouting material chocks extending from the plurality of columns to the support frame of the heavy machinery or engine which provide a non-adherent support between the columns and the engine mounting frame. The columns surround but do not adhere to anchor bolts secured in the foundation. The epoxy chocks likewise do not adhere to the anchor bolts. The anchor bolts are protected with a shroud or wrapping of suitable material whereby post tensioning of the anchor bolts will not cause the columns or chocks to crack or fracture. Leveling screws threadedly engaged through the mounting flange of the machine may or may not extend through the chocks and seat upon leveling plates. The columns and chocks are formed in situ.

Abstract: Unsupported, compressed propellant charge elements of nitrocellulose grains, as well as propellant charges produced from these propellant charge elements are produced by coating the grains with an acrylate resin and shaping the grains into cylindrical elements. The novel propellant charge elements are manufactured practically without concomitant use of binders or adhesives; they have a cylindrical configuration and contain a coaxial, continuous bore. These elements are suitable as building blocks for propellant charges in ammunition, e.g., for machinegun-type cannons. These building blocks can be used in a very simple form economically directly for the manufacturing of such ammunition. These novel charges contain at least three of the novel propellant charge elements; in this connection, the combustion of these charges can be adjusted at will by varying the propellant charge elements in order to obtain optimum combustion properties.

Abstract: In the procedure for the installation of plastic pipe pieces with lateral branch openings into sewage pipes to be repaired, the first step is the measuring in the longitudinal axial direction of the branch of the sewage pipe from the inside with respect to the already installed piece of plastic pipe. After that, a lateral opening is formed in the plastic pipe while the pipe is above ground and outside of the sewage pipe. Next, the already prepared plastic pipe is joined in an aligned position with the already installed plastic pipe, with the help of a movable transporter inside the sewage pipe.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an improved annular shaped charge of a type to be used in the shaped charge carrier of pipe cutting or severing apparatus. The improved annular shaped charge is made up of eight or more shaped charge segments disposed in side to side abutting relation. Each shaped charge segment has a die formed metal band and charge load. The invention also pertains to methods of making said annular shaped charge and the shaped charge segments, which methods are described.

Abstract: A molded explosive member having mating means molded along the periphery to permit interlocking of adjacent members is disclosed. The molded member from an explosive material comprising a mixture of from 30 to 70 wt. % pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) powder, about 1 wt. % graphite, and 70 to 30 wt. % foamable polystyrene beads heated in a closed mold, in the absence of moisture in contact with the PETN powder, graphite, and polystyrene beads, to a temperature of from about 90.degree. to 104.degree. C. to foam the polystyrene beads and mold the explosive material into the desired shape. The amount of PETN powder in the mixture is varied to adjust the desired amount of pressure generated during detonation of the molded explosive member.

Abstract: The invention is a flexible mask for use in charging a flowable material into selected cells of a honeycomb structure and is of particular utility in charging a sealing material into the ends of selected cells of such a structure during fabrication of solid particulate filter bodies and other selectively plugged honeycomb structures. The mask has a central body with a set of openings extending therethrough which allow passage of the flowable material through to the selected cells and a second set of protrusions extending from one of the surfaces of the mask which are used to align the mask to the end face of the structure and which extend into and sealably cover the cells which are not to receive the flowable material. The mask may be formed from a polymer, preferably an elastomer, using any of three disclosed die apparatuses.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for producing composite explosives of the type hexotonal and octonal by the intermediary of a two-stage wet granulation process comprising a first granulation stage for producing primary granules of a certain amount of TNT (the primary TNT) suspended in water, together with other desired components in the explosive, with the exception of the aluminum powder, which, in its turn, is mixed into the remaining amount of secondary TNT in order thereafter, in a secondary granulation stage, to be added to the mixing water with the primary granules suspended therein, for a successive build-up of their surface layer.

Abstract: This is an improved process of making consolidated propellant charges by compaction of propellant grains in a mold. The grains are coated with a frangible micro-capsule prior to compaction. The inner phase of the microcapsules is a low volatile solvent for the grains.