Work

Constant Strain Aging Model of HTPB Propellant Involving Thermal–Mechanical Coupled Effects

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: To investigate the aging behavior of HTPB composite solid propellant under constant strain conditions, this study analyzed the aging patterns of the propellant’s maximum elongation at four temperatures (323.15 K–343.15 K) and five strain levels (0–18%) using thermal–mechanical coupled accelerated aging tests. The results show that the maximum elongation initially increases, then decreases under constant strain conditions. To measure the mechanical work-induced decrease in the activation motor, we created a modified Arrhenius model with a strain correction factor based on empirical observations. The acceleration coefficient of a solid motor grain at the accelerated aging temperature (323.15 K) in comparison to the long-term storage temperature (293.15 K) was found to be 20.08 through finite element analysis. This means 206.80 days at the accelerated aging temperature is equivalent to 10 years at the long-term storage temperature.

Source: Aerospace

DOI: 10.3390/aerospace12070589

Authors: Pengju Qin, Xiangyu Zhang, Kai Jiang, Jiming Cheng

Institutions: Northwestern Polytechnical University, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

Language: English

Topic: Rocket and propulsion systems research

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China