Evaluation of Physical and Ballistic Properties of Polymerized-Dicyclopentadiene-Based Composite Solid Propellants

Polymerized-dicyclopentadiene is a hydrocarbon currently being evaluated as a potential binder matrix for use in solid rocket motors. Various formulations of polymerized-dicyclopentadiene-based composite solid propellant, featuring a solids loading of 85 mass%, were evaluated to observe the effect of varying CF AP ratio and Fe2O3 concentration on physical and ballistic properties. Mechanical properties (maximum stress, strain at maximum stress, tangent modulus, and modulus of toughness) were calculated from uniaxial tensile tests of propellant samples. The effect of aging and temperature on mechanical properties were also assessed. End-of-mix viscosities were measured (pre- and postvacuum) to aid improvement of the polymerized-dicyclopentadiene-based propellant manufacturing process. Impact sensitivity of all formulations used in this work was investigated for safety purposes and to validate claims that polymerized-dicyclopentadiene-based composite solid propellants offer a lower hazards classification than their commonplace counterparts. Strand and motor burns were conducted over a range of pressures to quantify the effect of Fe2O3 concentration on Saint Robert burning rate parameters and combustion efficiency.