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.
Claims11
A method for casting a solid propellant, comprising:
- disposing a mandrel with respect to a casting tube, wherein a cavity is formed between the mandrel and the casting tube;
- moving an uncured propellant grain into the cavity;
- curing the propellant grain around the mandrel, wherein a perforation is formed in the cured propellant grain via the mandrel;
- breaking a first portion of the mandrel apart from a second portion of the mandrel;
- and
- removing the first portion from within the propellant grain, while leaving the second portion embedded in the cured propellant grain.
A mandrel for forming a solid propellant, comprising:
- an elongated body;
- a through hole disposed in the elongated body;
- and
- a support structure disposed in the through hole, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of longitudinal walls extending from an inner surface of the elongated body in a transverse direction across the through hole, wherein each of the plurality of longitudinal walls connects at a first side and a second side to the inner surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.