Thiokol Corporation

Cordant Technologies Inc.

Orbital Atk, Inc.

Russell A Crook

Larry W Poulter

Robert B Wardle

John L Shipley

James W Sinclair

Robert P Graham

Kenneth J Schulte

David H Johnson

David M Cannon

Lydia L Biegert

A strain measurement device includes a reference material, and a displacement sensor configured to detect relative changes in distance between the sensor and the reference material. At least one of the displacement sensor and the reference material is coupled with a pre-cured elastomeric material. The displacement sensor generates a data signal to a processor that is configured to determine a strain of another elastomeric material based at least in part on the data signal received from the sensor. A displacement sensor and a reference material may be positioned within an elastomeric material within a casing of a solid rocket motor for determining strain experienced by the elastomeric material, such as the propellant of the solid rocket motor. A method includes installing a sensor of an elastomeric material. Another method includes determining strain of an elastomeric material of a solid rocket motor.

Strain measurement device, a solid rocket motor including same, and related methods

The invention relates to a new class of alkoxy silane compounds of the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein R is aliphatic or aromatic having from 1 to about 15 carbon atoms and R'comprises a hydrolyzable alkoxy functionality. These compounds are particularly useful as adhesion promoters when used with adhesives such as, for example, phenylethynyl terminated polyimide or polysulfide adhesives. The invention also relates to a method of synthesizing the alkoxy silane compounds defined above.

Adhesion promoters and methods of their synthesis and use

The invention relates to a new class of alkoxy silane compounds of the following general formula: wherein R is aliphatic or aromatic having from 1 to about 15 carbon atoms and R' comprises a hydrolyzable alkoxy functionality. These compounds are particularly useful as adhesion promoters when used with adhesives such as, for example, phenylethynyl terminated polyamide or polysufide adhesives. The invention also relates to a method of synthesizing the alkoxy silane compounds defined above.

An assembly mating first and second tubular bodies is disclosed. The mating assembly includes at least a sleeve structure forming a part of the first tubular body and defining an inner receptacle surface region, a compression loading assembly integrally formed with, constituted by, or otherwise securable to the second tubular body and at least partially received in the sleeve structure, and a cured adhesive bond positioned between an exterior surface region of the compression loading assembly and the inner receptacle surface region to couple the sleeve structure to the compression loading assembly. The compression loading assembly is laterally expandable at at least the exterior surface region thereof and constructed and arranged relative to the cured adhesive bond so that expansion of the exterior surface region compressively loads the cured adhesive bond in a substantially lateral direction. The strength of the adhesive bond is thereby increased against shear stresses acting on said mating assembly due to longitudinal and/or torsional loading.

Assembly including tubular bodies and mated with a compression loaded

A surface preparation process has been developed for titanium and titanium alloy substrates that greatly improves the resulting bond. The process improves bond strength, fracture toughness, durability and failure mode of adhesive bonds. The process also decreases the sensitivity of titanium substrates to processing variables such as humidity, temperature and hence the processing timelines. The process involves treating a titanium or titanium alloy surface with a soluble silicate solution, such as an alkali metal metasilicate, and subsequently treating the surface with a solution of an organofunctional silane. Employing this two step process, bonding to the titanium substrate is improved.

Method of surface preparation of titanium substrates

A surface preparation process has been developed for aluminum and aluminum alloy substrates that greatly improves the resulting bond. The process improves bond strength, fracture toughness, durability and failure mode of adhesive bonds. The process also decreases the sensitivity of aluminum substrates to processing variables such as humidity, temperature and hence the processing timelines. The process involves treating an aluminum surface with a solution of an alkali metal metasilicate, and subsequently treating the surface with a solution of an organofunctional silane. Employing this two step process, bonding to the aluminum substrate is improved.

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South Ogden, UT, United States of America

Russell A Crook