Development of a Carbon Composite Rocket Motor Case

Abstract

In the scope of insensitive and lightweight motor case development study, design, prototype production, development and verification phases of a carbon composite rocket motor case are presented. The development phase is completed by performing hydrostatic burst tests for two composite motor cases and static firing tests for four prototypes. Static firing tests following the combined environmental tests of four prototypes and insensitive munitions tests of two prototypes are performed to fulfill the requirements of the verification phase. At the end of the test series, it was shown that all the prototypes satisfy ballistic and mechanical/structural performance requirements together with Type V insensitive munitions requirements for fast cookoff and bullet impact threats according to STANAG 4240 and 4241, respectively. Hence, the motor with composite case development and verification studies were proved to be successful.