Solid Propulsion Technology

Missile Component Integration Program Support

AED provided support to the Missile Component Integration (MCI) Program, directed toward supporting advanced missile technology and space booster technology programs. The program goals included demonstrating propulsion component technologies appropriate for the Minuteman and other missile programs as well as providing AFRL in-house solid propulsion capability to ensure technology leadership. AED also assisted in solid rocket motor failure investigations. Most effort in this area was transitioned to the Solid Rocket Component and Motor Technology Support effort below.

Hybrid Rocket Investigations

AED provides analysis and assessment of hybrid rocket technology and supports program planning and cost estimates, as well as in-house and contractor hybrid technology programs. The initial efforts assessed hybrid technology relative to Air Force needs in both tactical and space missions and defined appropriate hybrid propulsion development programs to meet those needs. As a result, emphasis is being placed on hybrid technology for tactical missiles.

Solid Rocket Component and Motor Technology Support

AED provides technical and analytical support to the Clean Propellant Hardware Missile Propulsion Component Evaluation Program (MPCEP) and propellant development programs. In addition, AED provides support for the Supersonic Splitline Flexseal Nozzle (SSFN) and the High Performance Case Assembly Technology (HPCAT) Programs, as well as solid rocket motor failure investigations and evaluations of proposals for motor and component technology programs.

Microtubes and Material Processing Support

AED personnel provide scientific, engineering and technical support to the AFRL in the area of Microtubes and materials processing. This includes support for several Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRDAs) funded by other contractors. It also includes densification of preforms supplied to the AFRL by several contractors for a variety of programs. Current design and experimental activities are focused on the fabrication, physical behavior, and use of microdevices for a variety of sensor applications. Recent activities include the reconfiguration of a push-pull cylindrical magnetron, surface tension and wettability experiments, and the design and construction of a new laser micro-machining facility.

Solid Motor Structural Analysis

AED provides continuing engineering and technical assistance in support of: 1) structural/ballistic analysis, 2) motor component assessment technology, 3) critical defect analysis feasibility assessment, and 4) aging and surveillance of solid rocket motors. AED personnel recently performed structural analyses using a US Navy solid propellant analog motor to support The Technical Cooperative Program (TTCP).

The Technical Cooperative Program (TTCP) is an international cooperative project whose members include Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. One of its objectives, under Key Technical Area (KTA) 4-23, is to investigate propellant defects under cold pressurization of solid rocket motors. The Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) contribution to the project is to conduct the structural analyses using a US Navy solid propellant analog motor.

Aging and Surveillance Support

The Air Force Research Laboratory's Propulsion Directorate Engineering Division has been tasked to support aging and surveillance programs under the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP) and the Minuteman Program and to conduct fracture mechanics analytical and experimental studies and material characterization. The current AED emphasis is on the fracture mechanics area. Significant support is being provided in the analytical and experimental aspects of the fracture mechanics area and the micromeasurement of displacements and strains in solid propellants.