Evaluation of Methods for Solid Propellant Burning Rate Measurement

The NATO Research and Technology Organization (RTO), Advanced Vehicle Technology (AVI), Working Group (WG) 016 (formerly AGARD/PEP Working Group (27) undertook to evaluate methods in use within the NATO propulsion community to measure burning rate in solid propellant rocket systems, with the purpose of identifying similarities and differences between the participating nations. This WG was formed in 1996, consisting of active representatives from 6 of the 15 member nations of NATO, with inputs accepted from 4 other member nations and a couple non-member nations. The NATO RTO/AVT WG 016 sought to contribute to improvements in the burning rate tools to address issues that have plagued the solid propulsion industry for over 40 years. This paper reviews the final results of this study by summarizing the objectives, approach, findings, and recommendations of this working group based on activity from October 1997 to March 2001. Recommendations are reviewed on direct and non-intrusive burning rate measurement methods, data analysis, and performance scaling to support improved prediction of internal ballistics of a full-scale solid propellant motor. AVT WG 016 activities have identified that manufacturer burning rate data may not easily be compared without accounting for industry-wide differences in subscale devices, test methods and scaling analysis methods. The WG recommends the NATO propulsion community review these findings as a means of advancing their own burning rate measurement and analysis methods.