Investigation of thermomechanical properties of solid rocket propellant used in multi-barrel rocket systems

Abstract

The effectiveness of multi-barrel rocket systems on today’s battlefields is strongly dependent on the reliability of operation and, hence, proper action of all components, especially rockets and propellants. Therefore, the properties of the solid rocket propellants used in the rocket motors must be determined with an efficient and reliable tool providing repeatable results. The article presents the results of a thermomechanical analysis of solid double-base rocket propellant used in multi-barrel rocket systems. One of the recommended methods for testing solid rocket propellants is dynamic mechanical analysis. Mechanical properties such as the dynamic storage modulus (E′), the dynamic loss modulus (E″), and the tangent tan(δ) of the phase shift angle (E″/E′) were measured with the use of the TA Instruments DMA Q 800 device, in a temperature range of − 100 to +100 ∘ C with the use of different frequencies of applied force and heating rates. Special attention was devoted to determining the glass transition temperature following the STANAG 4540 standardization agreement, as well as the influence of testing parameters on the obtained experimental results. Dynamic mechanical analysis has proven to be an effective method for the evaluation of key properties influencing rocket motor behavior.