Embedded Sensor Technology for Solid Rocket Motor Health Monitoring

"One of the important parameters required for solid grain motor health montitoring is case bond stress. It is also the most difficult parameter to measure. To be a health monitor, these sensors must be small so as not effect the performance of the motor.They must have very low thermal hysteresis and long term stability. Service life determination requires the monitoring of additional prameters such as temperature, humidity, shock and vibration. Phase 1 is to improve a currently available bond stresssensor to make it more accurate and stable. Sensors and loggers will be fabricated and used in support of the customer defined sample testing program. Phase 2 will continue with anologue motor trials and work to improve logger capability. During Phase 3,the Phase 2 logger will be developed which will provide real time data and location via a satellite com link. Digagnostics within the logger permits fault danger detection warnings, complete measurement data and useful life computation. The system will beself powered, light and versitile. It will accomodate any sensor and communicate via parallel BCD, RS485, optical or transmit to a satellite. Real time detection of damage to strategic missiles in silo's or during shipment permits avoidance of explosions and malfunctions. It also eliminates the need for expensive removal from silos or storage for X-ray and other non destructive and destructivetesting. This saves on test facilities, eliminate