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The History of Solid-Propellant Rocketry: What We Do and Do Not KnowContributions to the evolution of solid-propellant rocketry have come from a variety of sources. World War II research on large solids enabled one company to capitalize on work in the area of castable double-base propellants. Separate development of castable composite propellants led to production of Polaris and Minuteman powerplants. Pivotal to the development of these missiles were Edward Hall's advocacy of the Minuteman missile within the Air Force and contract funding to resolve problems. The discovery that adding large amounts of aluminum significantly increased the specific impulse of a castable composite propellant further aided large-missile technology. These separate lines of research led to the development of large solid-propellant motors and boosters. Many more discoveries went into the development of large solid-propellant motors. Ammonium perchlorate replaced potassium perchlorate as an oxidizer in the late 1940's, and binders were developed. Discoveries important in the evolution of large solid-propellant motors appear to have resulted from innovators' education and skills, an exposure to contemporary problems, an awareness of theory but a willingness not to let it dictate empirical investigations, and proper empirical techniques. Other important contributions are the adequate funding and exchange of information. However, many questions remain about these and other innovations.
Document ID
19990047654
Acquisition Source
Armstrong Flight Research Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Hunley, J. D.
(NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility Edwards,CA United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1999
Publication Information
Publisher: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Subject Category
Launch Vehicles And Space Vehicles
Report/Patent Number
AIAA Paper 99-2925
H-2330
Meeting Information
Meeting: 35th AIAA, ASME, SAE, ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: June 20, 1999
End Date: June 24, 1999
Sponsors: Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., American Society for Electrical Engineers, American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 038-00-00
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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