Correlation between Alternating Temperature Accelerated Aging and Real World Storage of Composite Propellant

Abstract

Alternating temperature accelerated aging test was designed to ensure that accelerated aging could preferably simulate real world storage of HTPB composite propellant. Mechanical properties of HTPB propellant aged for three different periods were measured and analyzed. The results indicate that, the tensile strength increased and the elongation decreased after accelerated aging, showing the same trend of real world storage; the mechanical properties of HTPB propellant is strongly influenced by the rate of temperature change; alternating temperature accelerated aging test is consistent well with real world storage. The results can be very helpful for solid rocket motor life prediction.