Apparatus for the Testing of Solid Cryogenic Mechanical Properties

The proposed effort in Phase I is to identify properties of propellants that solidify at cryogenic temperatures, "cryosolids", that will be tested in Phase Ii and to deliver a detailed design of a cryogenic testing device. This device will be able to measure tensile, flexural, shear and compressive strength, elastic moduli, and hardness of these cryosolids. In addition, this device will be able to measure the surface tension of the liquid form of these materials. During Phase I, shear tests will be performed on solid oxygen and surface tension tests will be performed on liquid nitrogen in order to improve the design of the cryogenic testing device. Knowledge obtained at the Advanced Materials Laboratory, Inc. is shear testing solid oxygen as well as the mechanical testing of various materials at liquid helium temperatures will be used in the development of the cryogenic testing device. Theory and description of the essential features envisaged for this device are described. The cryogenic testing experience obtained over more than thirty years and the experience of manufacturing commercially used products by the principal investigator in his company will enhance the probability of designing and building a reliable cryogenic testing device based upon sound engineering principles.| Benefits: Anticipated benefits are to replace current rocket propulsion systems with others having improved performance and to provide cryogenic mechanical testing equipment and services for universities, industry, and government facilities engaged in fundamental cryogenic research.|