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Scattered-light photoelastic stress analysis of a solid-propellant rocket motor

A three-dimensional, case-bonded, solid propellant is analyzed for stress distributions using scattered-light photoelasticity

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Abstract

Scattered-light photoelasticity, a nondestructive technique, is used to determine the stress distribution in a three-dimensional, solid-propellant rocket motor. The model is a case-bonded solid propellant with a stargrain internal boundary. Stresses are induced by internal pressure. The pressure load simulates part of the stresses developed in firing a rocket. The model material is polyurethane rubber which is similar to the binder material in actual rockets. The model construction and data analysis are discussed in detail, and the results are presented in graphical form.

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Abbreviations

C :

stress-optic coefficient

N :

fringe order

p′:

maximum secondary principal stress

q′:

minimum secondary principal stress

s :

distance the light travels through the model

x, y, z :

rectangular coordinates

θ xy , θ yz , θ xz :

angles between the reference axes (x, y, z) andp′ direction

σ x , σ y , σ z :

normal-stress components

τ xy , τ yz , τ xz :

shear-stress components

References

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  3. Durelli, A. J. andParks, V. J., “Photoelasticity Methods to Determine Strains in Propellant-grain Models,” EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS,5 (2),33 (1965).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mechanical Engineering Department, Auburn University, Auburn, Ala

    R. W. Aderholdt (Instructor), W. F. Ranson (Instructor) & W. F. Swinson (Professor)

Authors
  1. R. W. Aderholdt
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  2. W. F. Ranson
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  3. W. F. Swinson
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Aderholdt, R.W., Ranson, W.F. & Swinson, W.F. Scattered-light photoelastic stress analysis of a solid-propellant rocket motor. Experimental Mechanics 10, 481–485 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02327676

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02327676

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