Thiokol Corporation

Cordant Technologies Inc.

Frederick W VanName

Victor Singer

James A Hartwell

A composite tubular article such as a nozzle or a polar boss for a rocket motor wherein straight matrix impregnated yarn portions extend from one end portion to the other in a non-cylindrical ply to achieve increased strength while affording lighter weight. The matrix material may be at least partially curable by actinic radiation to anchor the yarn portions in position as they are applied on a mandrel so that radial rods or the like for anchoring the yarn may be eliminated. For high performance rocket motor nozzle components and the like, the yarn portions may be straight or non-straight and applied by braiding or the like, and the matrix material may be decomposed to a char adequate to anchor the yarn portions and subjected to one or more densification cycles whereby the matrix material may be carbonized.

Reinforced composite articles and method of making same

A rocket motor or other gas generator the case of which is ventable at a predetermined temperature substantially greater than the ambient temperature range for storage and operation thereof and substantially less than the auto-ignition temperature of gas generant material contained therein so as to prevent catastrophic propulsion or burst in case of fire. In order to provide such venting without requiring any shaped charges or other auxiliary system for that purpose at all, the case is composed of a matrix-impregnated fibrous material wherein the fibrous material is characterized by having a melting point which is substantially higher than the ambient temperature range and which is substantially lower than the auto-ignition temperature of the gas generant material. The matrix material is preferably actinic radiation-curable at a temperature which is substantially lower than the melting point temperature of the fibrous material. The case may preferably be composed of polyolefin fibrous material impregnated with an ultraviolet light-curable radiation.

Gas generator and method for making same for hazard reducing venting in

A rocket motor or other gas generator the case of which is ventable at a predetermined temperature substantially greater than the ambient temperature range for storage and operation thereof and substantially less than the auto-ignition temperature of gas generant material contained therein so as to prevent catastrophic propulsion or burst in case of fire. The venting is provided by memory metal members which are interleaved between plies of matrix-impregnated fibrous material in the case and which have a transformation temperature which is substantially higher than the ambient temperature range and substantially lower than the auto-ignition temperature and characterized by a change in shape when heated to a temperature above the transformation temperature.

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Newark, DE, United States of America

Frederick W VanName