Device and Method for Time Dependent Rheometry

EERGC Corporation proposes to develop a rheometer capable of determining the time-dependent rheology of gel propellants and use it to determine their pressure drop vs. flow rate characteristics as a function of both time and temperature. The rheometer is to operate at temperatures from -40 to +70 °C and shear rates from 5,000 to 200,000 per second. To do this, EERGC will utilize the knowledge it has gained in developing particulate gel propellant formulations for AMCOM and RDEC, and the facilities and vast experience of subcontractor Northrup Grumman Space Technology, the leader in gel propellant technology. The rheometer will be a modification of an already established capillary rheometer, with an upgraded design to characterize time-dependent rheology with emphasis on the time scales of concern in missile engine applications. The project will further define a model and characterization method for analyzing the resulting data in a form that can be used in analysis both of the experimental results and in design applications.