Polymer Bonded Rolling Diaphragms (BRD)

Cornerstone Research Group, Inc. (CRG) proposes to develop and demonstrate a full scale, operationally relevant prototype gelled propellant tank system based on polymer bonded rolling diaphragms (PBRD). Composed of polymeric materials compatible with gelled inhibited red fuming nitric acid (IRFNA) and monomethyl hydrazine (MMH), PBRDs will serve as the liner and propellant expulsion mechanism within the composite propellant tanks of tactical missiles. This Phase II project will integrate and optimize the liner and adhesive materials and fabrication processes proven feasible in Phase I investigations, demonstrating innovative fabrication processes for producing the liners and for bonding them to the composite tank casing. The resulting PRBD-tank system will have the chemical, thermal, and mechanical stability required for low-maintenance long-term storage of the propellants. It will also have the chemical, thermal, mechanical, and bond-release characteristics enabling propellant expulsion by pressurized hot gas during missile operation. Prototype demonstrations under controlled laboratory conditions will provide data yielding a high-confidence projection of the characteristics, performance, and affordability of a fielded operational system. CRG's demonstrated expertise in polymeric materials and related process and device technologies presents the Army with the opportunity to obtain a unique new capability meeting the needs defined in the program solicitation.