Systems and methods for casting propellant grain
AssigneeGoodrich Corporation
InventorsBrian Wilson, Jean C. Rodriguez
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for casting solid propellants include a mandrel for forming geometric features in a perforation of a propellant grain. In various embodiments, the mandrel includes a frangible portion that is removed from the propellant grain after the propellant grain has cured around the mandrel. A second portion of the mandrel may be left behind in the propellant grain. The mandrel may include a support structured disposed in the through hole of the mandrel. The support structure may include a plurality of longitudinal channels for directed exhaust gasses through the mandrel upon ignition of the propellant grain.
Claims9
A mandrel for forming a solid propellant, comprising:
- an elongated body extending in a longitudinal direction and comprising a first portion having a first wall thickness and a second portion axially adjacent the first portion;
- wherein the second portion comprises a protuberant surface;
- wherein an intersection of the first portion and the second portion has a wall thickness that is less than the first wall thickness, the intersection extending circumferentially around the elongated body;
- and
- wherein the first portion is configured to break apart from the second portion at the intersection after a propellant grain has been cured around the elongated body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.