LUNA INNOVATIONS INCORPORATED — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: MDA14-013

Description

In the presence of a fast cook-off event, the propellant within a rocket motor can ignite, leading to a propulsive reaction or catastrophic explosion. To mitigate this risk, the Department of Defense (DoD) has Insensitive Munition (IM) requirements which are governed by MIL-STD-2105. To pass fast cook-off (FCO) testing, MIL-STD-2105 requires interceptor systems to achieve a burning, non-propulsive response (type V). Methods to vent or extinguish the propellant grain and pass this testing have been demonstrated with smaller motors. However, these methods are not readily scalable to larger motors, such as those utilized on several Ballistic Missile Defense (BMDS) interceptors. New technologies are required to enable the larger interceptor motors to meet the FCO requirements. Luna Innovations Incorporated has expertise in both polymer chemistry and composite materials integration which has been successfully applied to both energetics and IM solutions. Luna will build upon this experience to develop a passive venting solution consisting of composite material vents manufactured from a structural matrix resin that will rapidly disintegrate in the presence of extreme heat or flame. The solution will be applicable to both composite and metal motor cases of all sizes and will be implementable in a number of different configurations. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-8047 (14 Nov 14)