Thiokol Corporation

Tony T Robinson

Mark Ludwig Enders

An insensitive composite pressure vessel for containing an energetic compound includes at least two fibers having different temperature resistance characteristics. A dynamic fiber loses a substantial portion of its tensile strength at a transformation temperature which is preferably substantially less than the combustion temperature of the energetic compound, whereas a stable fiber retains substantially all of its tensile strength at temperatures exceeding the transformation temperature. Hence, a pressure vessel formed of dynamic fibers and stable fibers has sufficient burst strength to resist operating pressures under normal conditions. The vessel loses strength and develops additional orifices to vent combustion products from the energetic compound in the event of an external fire, thereby allowing unintentionally ignited rocket motors to burn substantially in place. The present invention also discloses methods for making such vessels by shaping, impregnating, and consolidating fibers and resins, and methods for venting combustion products from such vessels in an actual or simulated external fire.

Growing community of inventors

Corinne, UT, United States of America

Tony T Robinson