Rockets can be stored for many years between manufacture and usage. In this time, the propellant in solid rocket motors (SRMs) ages, harming the rockets performance. The propellant is a highly filled elastomer containing solids, plasticizers, and stabilizers, joined by a polymeric binder. Over many years sitting in storage, aging field conditions change the mechanical properties of the propellant influencing the propellants performance. The rockets propellant must be inspected at intervals to ensure availability of the Navys arsenal. Current inspection methods rely on measuring the propellant outside of the rocket, either by disassembly to take a sample, or by maintaining witness samples alongside the rocket. Because of the difficulty of executing this test, a limited number of test articles and selected and coverage of the full stock of rockets is light. Luna Labs USA, LLC proposes developing a multi-modal inspection method well-suited to fitting the confined environment inside a SRM, enabling a wholistic view of the propellants health.
Benefit: Elimiation of need to maintain witness samples or disassemble rockets for inspections Enables inspecting all rockets more regularly, giving a better view of full stocks health Miniaturized/portable inspection head will be valuable for coatings industry to take field measurements
Keywords: Solid Rocket Motor, Solid Rocket Motor, indentation, Miniature, in-situ, ultrasound
