Abstract
Impact fracture properties of three nitrocellulose—nitroglycerine gun propellants have been measured in a three-point bend mode at moderate impact rates with an instrumented drop-weight impact tester. Dynamic moduli and loss tangents were measured over the temperature range −100 to +120° C, and three transitions were identified. A transition at about −30° C was found to increase the low-temperature fracture toughness of the higher nitroglycerine content propellants. The fracture data were analysed in terms of plane stress and plane strain fracture modes using a simplified model. It was found that the fracture toughness in zones undergoing plastic deformation under plane stress conditions was approximately twice that in zones under plane strain conditions. The plastic zone radii were greater than 0.3 mm at 20° C, falling to about 0.1 mm at −45° C. Strain energy release rates were calculated from fracture load and modulus, and from fracture energy. Good agreement was obtained between the two methods.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
A. J. Kinloch and R. A. Gledhill, International Conference on Nitrocellulose Characterisation, Propellants Explosives and Rocket Motor Establishment, Waltham Abbey, UK, May 1980.
R. A. Gledhill, A. J. Kinloch, Propell. Explos. 4 (1979) 73.
J. E. Srawley, “Fracture”, Vol. 4, edited by H. Liebowitz (Academic, New York, 1969) p. 63.
H. R. Brown, J. Mater. Sci. 8 (1973) 941.
G. P. Marshall, J. G. Williams and C. E. Turner, ibid. 8 (1973) 949.
E. Plati and J. G. Williams, Polym. Eng. Sci. 15 (1975) 470.
M. Parvin and J. G. Williams, Int. J. Fract. 11 (1975) 963.
L. V. Newmann and J. G. Williams, Polym. Eng. Sci. 20 (1980) 572.
O. F. Yap, Y. W. Mai and B. Cotterell, J. Mater. Sci. 18 (1983) 657.
I. M. Ward, ibid. 6 (1971) 1397.
D. J. Townsend and R. C. Warren, Polymer in press.
S. Venzi, A. H. Priest and M. J. May, ASTM STP 466 (American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, 1970) p. 165.
O. L. Davies, (ed.), “Statistical Methods in Research and Production” (Oliver and Boyd, London, 1961).
R. F. Boyer, Polymer 17 (1976) 996.
B. Hartmann and G. F. Lee, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 23 (1979) 3639.
B. Hartmann and G. F. Lee, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 23 (1979) 3639.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Warren, R.C. Impact fracture behaviour of double-base gun propellants. J Mater Sci 20, 3131–3140 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00545178
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00545178