Prediction of the Full-Scale Cook-off Response Based on Small-Scale Testing

Currently, assessment of ordnance items for IM and Hazards Classification (HC) characterization requires full-scale testing which presents a considerable financial, logistical, and environmental burden. Some of these munitions (such as the large rocket motors) cost in excess of a million dollars and their hazard testing is likely to cost several million dollars. Therefore, testing on a smaller scale is preferable, though no reliable sub or small-scale cook-off tests have been identified yet because of the complexity of ordnance response to external stimuli. Using a combination of unique property measurements, tests and simplified engineering models, we propose to develop a methodology to predict the response of full scale munitions to cookoff. For example, we will adapt standard test methods to simulate cookoff conditions and measure the porosity, permeability, density and surface area that describe the thermal degradation state as functions of temperature, pressure and confinement. The expected outcomes of this project are novel test setups and methods, an engineering model for cookoff and a methodology to predict the response of full scale munition systems to heat.