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. To do this, EERGCwill utilize the knowledge it has gained in developing particulate gel propellant formulations for AMCOM, and the facilities and vast experience of its subcontractor TRW, the leader in gel propulsion technology. The rheometer will be a modification of analready established capillary rheometer, with an upgraded design to characterize time-dependent rheology with emphasis on the time scales of concern in missile applications. The project will further define a model and characterization method for analyzingthe resulting data in a form that can be used in analysis both of the experimental results and in design applications. Engines that burn gelled propellants are the application of specific interest and focus for the rheometer developed in this project, butthe approach can be generalized to other types of non-newtonian fluids and other applications with compatible time scales, thus allowing the development of a generalized rheological device with broad commercialization potential.