CORNERSTONE RESEARCH GROUP INC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: MDA14-013

Description

Fast cook-off (FCO) mitigation solutions rely on a system approach including propellant chemistry and packaging modifications. Case venting is recommended so that in a fire, pressure is unable to build to a critical point. Cornerstone Research Group Inc. (CRG) and a commercial partner propose to integrate an existing thermoplastic toughening agent containing core-shell nanothermite into a composite rocket motor case as an FCO mitigation system. The solution will spontaneously vent the entire rocket motor case in the event of a fuel fire making it applicable for both small and large diameter motors. The concept leverages CRGs extensive advanced composite manufacturing expertise, scalable nanocomposite fabrication technology, and IM mitigation experience as well as the commercial partners experience as a major energetic material and system manufacturer. The resulting system will offer a scalable solution for FCO mitigation that can be used with a variety of composites manufacturing techniques. Because the materials are also toughening agents, the case will not suffer weak spots or parasitic weight. In Phase I CRG demonstrated the feasibility of the concept.In Phase II CRG will optimize material properties and fabrication methods to fabricate and test up to a 21 case prototype.