Reusability of Filament-Wound Composite Launch Tubes When Subjected to the exhaust of Rockets Using Aluminized Propellant.

Abstract : It is the intent of this report to initiate the search for material combinations that will permit the repeated use of filament-wound launch tubes with rockets having aluminized propellant. Initial qualitative screening was accomplished, under contract, by the Brunswick Corporation. Further in-house evaluation was performed on tube sections containing selected material combinations resulting from the initial screening process. The use of various material combinations as a basic tube matrix was unproductive. It seems that a liner is essential to the reuse of filament-wound launch tubes. Several liner material combinations for filament-wound tubes are proposed for scaled live-firing tests with motors having aluminized propellant. It is also recommended that qualitative screening be continued for other liner material combinations. (Author)