Application of the Shock Gel Process for the Manufacture of Spherical Propellant Grains

 “Application of the shock gel process for the manufacture of spherical propellant grains”

John Bolognini, Sarah Longo, Halil Gevgilili*, Semra Senturk*, Ilknur Kucuk* and

Dilhan Kalyon*

The shock gel process can be utilized for the manufacture of spherical gun propellants. Typically, nitrocellulose syrups which are prepared by the dissolution of nitrocellulose are used in conjunction with gelling baths. Although the process is relatively simple to operate there are multiple factors that play a role in the development of the propellant size and shape distributions and the porosity of the propellant. In this presentation some of these major factors will be elucidated in conjunction with the results of investigations utilizing both live propellants and inert simulants. The issue of deterring the grain in situ will also be discussed.

*Stevens Institute of Technology, Highly Filled Materials Institute, Castle Point St. Hoboken, NJ 07030