초록 ▼

An insensitive composite pressure vessel for containing an energetic compound includes at least two fibers having different temperature resistance characteristics. A dynamic fiber loses a substantial portion of its tensile strength at a transformation temperature which is preferably substantially le

An insensitive composite pressure vessel for containing an energetic compound includes at least two fibers having different temperature resistance characteristics. A dynamic fiber loses a substantial portion of its tensile strength at a transformation temperature which is preferably substantially less than the combustion temperature of the energetic compound, whereas a stable fiber retains substantially all of its tensile strength at temperatures exceeding the transformation temperature. Hence, a pressure vessel formed of dynamic fibers and stable fibers has sufficient burst strength to resist operating pressures under normal conditions. The vessel loses strength and develops additional orifices to vent combustion products from the energetic compound in the event of an external fire, thereby allowing unintentionally ignited rocket motors to burn substantially in place. The present invention also discloses methods for making such vessels by shaping, impregnating, and consolidating fibers and resins, and methods for venting combustion products from such vessels in an actual or simulated external fire.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed and desired to be secured by patent is:] [1.] A hybrid composite pressure vessel for containing an energetic compound, the energetic compound having a combustion temperature at which the energetic compound will combust, said vessel comprising:a consolidated, resin-impregnated, fibr

[ What is claimed and desired to be secured by patent is:] [1.] A hybrid composite pressure vessel for containing an energetic compound, the energetic compound having a combustion temperature at which the energetic compound will combust, said vessel comprising:a consolidated, resin-impregnated, fibrous composite, comprising:a resin;stable fibers which retain substantially all of their tensile strength at temperatures not greater than the combustion temperature, said stable fibers impregnated with said resin; anddynamic fibers having a transformation temperature between about 65.degree. C. and the combustion temperature at which they lose a substantial portion of their tensile strength, said dynamic fibers impregnated with said resin and positioned adjacent said stable fibers in said composites,wherein said pressure vessel has an operating burst strength at an ambient temperature in the range from about -10.degree. C. to about 65.degree. C., and a venting burst strength no greater than approximately 80 percent of said operating burst strength at an ambient temperature which is greater than about 65.degree. C.