Development Novel High-Performance Solid Propellants

CFDRC proposes to develop some novel high performance solid propellant that will meet the requirement of Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology (IHPRPT) Phase III goals. The propellants will enhance the performance of space access vehicles, strategic, tactical and missile defense systems. A number of triazole, tetrazole, and tetrazines based solid energetic ionic salts have been proposed as potential candidates. The salient feature of these salts is that that both cations and anions contain heterocyclic rings with energetic groups as substituents. In Phase I, we estimate the physical and chemical properties (such as heat of formation, density, specific, and density impulse and sensitivity) computationally prior to their synthesis. The two most promising candidates, as predicted via theoretical calculations, will then be synthesized in laboratory scale (in collaboration with Professor Jean’ne Shreeve of University of Idaho) and characterized for physical and chemical properties, including crystal structure, density, melting point, and sensitivity. In Phase II, synthetic procedures will be scaled up in partnership with chemical companies, such as Aerojet, Thiokol, and 3M. The propellants will be formulated with a binder and tested for ageing, compatibility, stability, and sensitivity. The performance of the propellants will be evaluated with small-scale rocket engine firing test at CFDRC.