A SIMPLE, ACCURATE METHOD FOR DETERMINING THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF SOLID PROPELLANTS.

Abstract : A guarded meter apparatus for determining simply and accurately the thermal conductivity of solid propellants and similar materials has been developed. A relatively small amount of propellant (about 1/3 lb) is required. The basic apparatus was fabricated from a Cenco-Fitch Heat Conductivity Apparatus by the addition of a copper guard block which reduces heat loss from the metering block and insures that the heat transfer pattern through the sample is nearly one dimensional. A computer program which considers transient, one-dimensional heat conduction through the sample was prepared for data analysis and is included. Numerous test results with calibrated silicone rubber samples are presented which indicate that accuracy within 4% is entirely reasonable and possible. Thermal conductivities for some solid propellant compositions are also presented. (Author)