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Three-dimensional photoelastic and finite-element analysis of a propellant grain

Primary objective of this study was to determine the maximum principal strains in the head-end web of the Stage I Minuteman propellant grain in order to better predict and improve its service life

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Abstract

The results of a three-dimensional photoelastic analysis of a propellant-grain model are compared with the results obtained from a three-dimensional finite-element analysis of the same model. The loading considered was differential thermal expansion between the case and the grain model. The model analyzed was the Stage I Minuteman propellant grain which consists of a six-point-star configuration with a head-end web. Stresses and strains determined from the two analyses in the star valley are compared. The excellent correlation between the stresses determined from the photoelastic analysis and the stresses calculated by the three-dimensional finite-element computer program established the validity of the computer program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Huntsville Division, Thiokol Chemical Corporation, Huntsville, Ala.

    J. M. Nelson

  2. Wasatch Division, Thiokol Chemical Corporation, Brigham City, Utah.

    W. A. Cook & G. S. Stibor

Authors
  1. J. M. Nelson
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  2. W. A. Cook
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  3. G. S. Stibor
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Additional information

This study was performed in support of the Air Force SLIM (Service Life Improvement for Minuteman) program, Contract No. AF 04(694)-926, and has been released by the Air Force (SAMSO) for publication.

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Nelson, J.M., Cook, W.A. & Stibor, G.S. Three-dimensional photoelastic and finite-element analysis of a propellant grain. Experimental Mechanics 12, 436–440 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02318560

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02318560

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