Bore mitigants for solid propellant rocket motors
US5386776A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 1993 |
| Grant date | Feb 7, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF42B39/14
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods and materials for modifying rocket motors to render them safer are disclosed. The invention is primarily related to placing within the bore of a rocket motor a sufficient quantity of a material mitigant such that if the rocket motor receives an unintended impact, the material mitigates the effects of the impact, and prevents ignition or explosion of the propellant. The material mitigant may take a number of forms; however, polymer foams and fibers of various types have been found to work well. It is presently preferred that the material mitigants have a density of not less than approximately 0.04 grams/cc. Examples of such materials include polyurethane foam, polystyrene, and Kevlar.RTM. fibers. It is also preferred that the material mitigant not be reactive with the propellant in the rocket motor. While the material mitigant is configured such that it absorbs fragments or energy of propellant dislodged by the impact, at the same time it does not interfere with the normal ignition and operation of the rocket motor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.