A Selection Criterion for Assessing New Propellant Binders.

Abstract : A selection criterion, S.C., for evaluating binders for propellants has been developed. This criterion uses an algorithm which includes terms for changes in energy, hazards, mechanical properties, processing, cost, and technical risk. The uniqueness of the method is that it uses measured properties of the new material and compares those properties with those of an existing engineering material of a similar kind. The method may have broader utility than in binder selection because a complementary set of properties and procedures can be used to evaluate other new materials for replacement applications. (Author)