The Scope and Methods of Environmental Testing of Double-Base Propellant Rocket Motors: Choice of Conditions and Interpretation of Results

Environmental testing problems are considered, primarily from the standpoint of the propellant chemist. Environments are defined and the significant aspects of motor design and possible failure modes considered. Preliminary tests, and environmental tests proper, which aim to simulate storage, transport and handling hazards in a realistic manner, are discussed, together with the size and scope of a test program. In conclusion the importance of surveillance is emphasized, in order that the results of these programs can be checked and adequate reasons established to account for any failures.