Methodology for Testing High-Energy Materials Under Low Temperature Conditions

The methodology developed for testing gun propellants at low temperatures according to PN-EN ISO 604:2006 is presented in the paper. Brief characteristics are given of the materials tested and the most important static compression test conditions, such as specimen dimensions, deformation velocity and temperature range for selected propellants, i.e. JA-2 and SC. To verify the methodology developed, preliminary strength tests were performed at selected temperatures (25, 0, -25 and -50°C). Tests were carried out on specimens fabricated by shortening the propellant grain to the dimensions required by the reference standard. The results obtained confirmed the expected strength properties for both propellants (tensile strength and brittleness). Due to its chemical composition, the JA-2 propellant is a material of low brittleness even at -50°C. It does not crack completely and only its yield point increases. The results obtained for the JA-2 propellant were consistent with those published in reference literature. The SC propellant proved to be very brittle even at room temperature. At temperatures below 0°C, it fractures completely after reaching the desired deformation. The results obtained confirm that the adopted strength test conditions and the way the tests were prepared and performed enable acquisition of comparable and reliable results. It can be seen by analysing the results for the JA-2 propellant, which are consistent with the data in the available references. In contrast, the tests on the SC propellant proved the validity of strength tests on this type of material. Brittleness of propellant grains is a very undesirable phenomenon. A change in the combustion surface of low explosives caused by the process of propellant grain fracturing can adversely affect the magnitude and course of the pressure pulse, leading to failure of a cartridge chamber or gun barrel.