SBIR-STTR Award

Nascent Technology Solutions proposes a totally novel idea for the accurate detection of defects in solid rocket propellants. This sensing concept does not require access into the rocket motor. Therefore, this approach does not in any way compromise the integrity of the weapon, can retrofit legacy systems and can be part of the next generation of weapon systems, and will be fully portable. The Nascent approach is to develop a new measurement technology based on the combination of conventional ultrasonic pulse-echo detection of propellant defects with highly accurate measurements of bore strain. Arrays of ultrasonic sensors, combined with tomographic analysis methods now under development at Nascent, could enable full three-dimensional mapping of SRM properties under a variety of conditions. This SBIR will demonstrate the measurement concept and validate its applicability to the Missile Defense Agency. In addition, we will assess the feasibility of packaging the sensing and data acquisition systems into a field portable system. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: Among the primary benefits of the SBIR concept will be the cost savings associated with improved SRM reliability and the potential to reduce weapons stockpiling through improved monitoring of propellant integrity. Spinoff commercial applications of this concept could include evaluation of explosives, solid-propellant gas generators used in air bags, monitoring of cure rates in polymer cross-linking and other on-line process control applications.

Keywords:
Non-Destructive Evaluation, Health Monitoring , Solid Rocket Propellant