Decoupling assembly for a plumbing network

#The present embodiments relate generally to pressure vessels and, more particularly, to rocket motor tubes, having features that decouple to vent pressure when the vessel is subjected to excessive temperatures.

#Some pressure vessels, including munitions, may be inherently dangerous. Due to those potential inherent dangers, and the grave effects an accident or unplanned incident involving munitions can have, the U.S. Government has promulgated insensitive munitions standards (“IM Standards”) to ensure that munitions operate safely and predictably. These standards require munitions—ammunition, rockets, missiles, explosives, or their shipping containers—to reliably fulfill performance, readiness, and operational requirements on demand, while minimizing the hazards of inadvertent initiation triggered by excessive temperature. Rockets are an example of munitions that must comply with U.S. Government IM standards.

#A rocket motor is a pressure vessel that is propelled by a rearward discharge of gas generated by the combustion of propellant inside the motor. A rocket motor typically includes a casing or motor tube, frequently called a combustion chamber, partially filled with combustible material, and an exhaust nozzle. The combustible material at fuels the rocket is typically a single liquid or solid propellant, but can a combination of combustible materials and oxidizers.

#Advantages of the exemplary embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like elements:

#FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a rocket motor, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

#FIG. 2 is a front end view of a motor tube, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

#The following description conveys an understanding of embodiments that relate generally to vessels, such as munitions, and more particularly to a rocket motor having features that relieve pressure when subjected to excessive temperature and/or a predetermined temperature. Numerous exemplary embodiments of vessels having features that comply with IM standards are described below. Rockets, and other munitions, described by the exemplary embodiments that meet IM standards are not limited to only those embodiments, however. For example, exemplary embodiments may be used for temperature dependent decoupling in devices, machines, or vehicles outside of the munitions industry. The exemplary embodiments may be sized or shaped differently, in any suitable manner, and may be adapted to add components not described, or to remove components. One possessing ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the exemplary embodiments use for purposes and benefits in alternative forms and industries, depending upon specific design needs and other considerations. It will also be understood that embodiments are not required to satisfy IM Standards and may be designed to satisfy alternative standards, or may be used in applications without required standards.

#Terminology used in this description is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of an exemplary embodiment. As used throughout this disclosure, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a seal” includes a plurality of seals, or other equivalents or variations known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, if in describing some embodiments or features permissive language (e.g., “may”) is used, that does not suggest that embodiments or features described using other language (e.g., “is,” “are”) are required. Unless defined otherwise, all terms have the same commonly understood meaning that one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs would expect them to have.

#The accompanying figures and following description depict and describe exemplary embodiments of a vessel with features that decouple the structure of the vessel when subjected to excessive temperatures and/or a predetermined temperature. These features are believed sufficient to satisfy IM Standards, but such satisfaction is not a requirement of all exemplary embodiments. As used throughout this description, the term “rocket” or other like terms is meant to encompass any vessel designed with the features described herein. But, the exemplary embodiments may also be used in any munitions, devices, machines, or vehicles, regardless of whether they are specifically designed to comply with IM standards. The vessels are not limited to any specific embodiment or detail that is disclosed.