Novel Binder Materials for IM-compliant Solid Rocket Motors

The need for munitions insensitive to stimuli possible to occur in the logistical and operational life cycle of the munition is paramount for safeguarding life and property. Research to produce IM-compliant solid propulsion systems has primarily focused in two areas: advanced case materials/designs and new propellant formulations. The energetic, low toxicity, and high fracture toughness material dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) has the potential to meet IM-compliance criteria when used as a solid propellant binder. DCPD has also been shown in 1-D chemical equilibrium codes to maintain the same specific impulse levels as HTPB when used in ammonium perchlorate/aluminum formulations. IN Space and Purdue University propose to investigate the technical merit and commercial feasibility of this promising solid propellant ingredient. The Phase I study will consist of selecting DCPD-based formulations, mixing and casting candidate formulations in various forms, analyzing their combustion characteristics including performance and ignition through hot fire testing of 3.0 in diameter motors, determining their mechanical properties, and assessing their ability to improve IM compliance through modeling and subscale sensitivity experiments. Portions of this extensive Phase I effort will be funded by State of Indiana STTR matching funds.