Advanced Composite Propellant Replacement for High Performance Plateau Burning Double Base

Physical Sciences Inc., in collaboration with Pennsylvania State University, Cesaroni Technology Inc., and Aerojet-Rocketdyne, have developed and demonstrated the initial feasibility of a novel particle coating process, when incorporated in propellant formulations restricts high pressure combustion rates thereby allowing for plateau burning rate behavior to pressures greater than 5000 psi. These propellant formulations provide high thrust with minimal burning rate temperature sensitivity. These coatings ensure that thermally stable, long service life composite propellant formulations behave like the advanced plateau burning rate double base propellants used in CAD/PADs. The proposed Phase II effort will further develop and refine this technology, demonstrate the technology across a wide range of pressures, temperatures, and aging conditions, achieve an interim hazard classification, and scale production. This capability will be transitioned to the DoD by licensing to a company such as Aerojet for mass production. The Phase II program encompasses multiple technology development activities that are interlinked in establishing a composite propellant that will provide the several capabilities to the Navy in a low cost solution.