Thermally Reversible Adhesives for Slow Cook Mitigation

Missile defense systems are now required to conform to the insensitive munitions requirements of MIL STD 2105C. Meeting such requirements in the ballistic missile defense system will require a layered approach involving modified shipping containers and canisters, improvements in solid rocket motor casings, and less sensitive solid rocket propellant. One of the most difficult IM responses to mitigate is slow cook. Not only the propellant, but the casing and canister contribute to the response either through pressure build or through formation of lethal projectiles. Luna Innovations is proposing a novel venting method in which a thermally reversible structural adhesive is used as an engineered thermally sensitive seam or seams. In this way, the launch canister will either split in half or break into 2-4 large pieces at a predetermined temperature, thereby eliminating pressure build and any lethal projectile formation. Luna will work with Northrop Grumman to incorporate this novel thermally reversible material into the KEI design for the initial application.