| Abstract: | To understand the changes occurring in solid propellants on storage under space environments, the effect of vacuum and radiation on different propellants were studied. It was found that propellants lost weight on vacuum storage and that the rate and extent of weight loss depended upon the plasticizer content, the exposed surface area and the vacuum level. Mechanical properties and burning rates were practically unaffected and the effect on thermal decomposition was marginal. On the other hand, irradiation with gamma rays resulted in a drastic deterioration of mechanical properties and in a large increase in the rate of thermal decomposition at 225 °C. Radiation had no effect on burning rates. |
