Propellant removal from rocket motors containing double-base compositions

Conference · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:5317600

Whinnery, L; Griffiths, S; Hruby, J; Larson, R; Lipkin, J; Long, B; Schoenfelder, C

The uncertain environmental consequences and regulations associated with using open burning/open detonation for the disposal of energetic materials are forcing both manufacturers and users to examine alternative disposal technologies. In general, these alternatives involve a material removal operation followed by processing steps that lead to reuse of valuable constituents and/or disposal of waste. While a number of post-removal processing options appear to be viable, the initial step of removing an energetic material, such as a solid rocket motor propellant, from its container remains a significant technological challenge. Large rocket motors containing highly energetic propellant, hazard class 1.1, are of particular concern because of their inherent handling hazards. We will describe the results of a study using thermal cycling to increase the surface area of inert propellant formulations. The propellant removal method studied employs thermal cycling to cryogenic temperatures (cryocycling). Using inert propellants and liquid nitrogen we have demonstrated that this process produces multiple cracks throughout the bulk of the grain. The properties of the actual and inert propellants are being measured, and a model is being developed to relate experiments on inert material to actual propellant. Possible methods to increase thermal gradients, crack propagation and initiation are also presented.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DR00789
• OSTI ID: 5317600
• Report Number(s): SAND-92-8503C; CONF-920647--1; ON: DE92013567
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420200 -- Engineering-- Facilities
Equipment
& Techniques
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450000* -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense
CRACK PROPAGATION
ELEMENTS
NITROGEN
NONMETALS
PARTICLE SIZE
PROPELLANTS
REMOVAL
ROCKETS
SIZE
THERMAL CYCLING