Explosive Testing of Class 1.3 Rocket Booster Propellant

Recent experimentation has provided a more thorough understanding of the explosive response of class 1.3 composite propellant to severe impact. This study looked at an 88% total solids HTPB/Al/AP propellant similar to what could be used in space launch boosters. The program tested propellant charges as large as 22 inches in diameter. It includes hydrodynamic modeling for developing a basic understanding of the mechanisms and to develop reliable methods for predicting explosive response of modern high solids loaded propellants. Test results will be presented showing the low velocity, low pressure reactive wave propagation and the energetic far field effects typical of these propellants when subjected to severe impact. Test results and modeling analysis will be presented illustrating interactions, not previously recognized, between burning rates and mechanical processes which produce a unique explosive response that is likely characteristic of low hazard booster propellants.