Nondestructive Testing of Solid Propellant Missile Motors
SourceRequirements, techniques, and procedures of nondestructive testing of large solid propellant motors for the Polaris, Minuteman, Skybolt, and other missiles are discussed. Among the applications of nondestructive testing of large solid propellant motors for the Polaris, Minuteman, Skybolt, and other missiles are discussed. Among the applciations of nondestructive testing covered are: radiography, magnetic particle, and ultrasonic examinations of welded steel cases; radiography, penetrant, eddy current, and ultrasonic examinations of refractory metal nozzles; ultrasonic testing of the case-linear bond; and radiography of the completely assembled solid propellant motor for integrity of the grain, insulation, and bonded surfaces. Filmless radiation techniques are outlined, and the current state of vibration, low-frequency ultrasonic, infrared, and other testing methods are discussed, with the trends these tests are taking.