Research on Solid Propellant Wet-Heat Aging Mechanism and Aging Test Characterization Methods

Authors

  • Ximing Wang
  • Heyang Miao
  • Jinhang Li

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62051/ijmsts.v3n2.02

Keywords:

HTPB solid propellant, Aging mechanism, Experimental characterization methods

Abstract

Solid propellants are critical in aerospace and military applications. HTPB solid propellants are widely used because of their excellent performance, but hot and humid environments have a significant impact on their performance. This paper reviews the research progress of HTPB solid propellant wet heat aging mechanism and aging performance test characterization method. With respect to the moisture-heat aging mechanism, chemical aging is manifested by polymer chain breakage and reorganization, and physical aging is manifested by the migration of plasticizers leading to microstructural instability; In the aging test characterization method, there are macro test and fine test. The current study suffers from homogenization of method application, little qualitative analysis, incomplete exploration of aging mechanisms and poor accuracy of life prediction models. In the future, new anti-aging additives should be developed and combined with artificial intelligence to optimize the aging prediction model.

References

[1] LI Zhuanwei, LU Guolin. Development trend of solid propellants for aerospace applications [J]. Chemical Propellants and Polymer Materials, 1998, (03):21-27.

[2] Zhou Dongmu. Research on aging mechanism of HTPB propellant and engine life prediction under constant strain [D]. Beijing University of Technology, 2016.

[3] QIN Pengju, ZHANG Xiangyu, WU Qiu, et al. Mechanical Properties of HTPB Propellant Thermally Accelerated Aging in Pressure Environment [J/OL]. Propulsion Technology, 1-10 [2025-02-21].

[4] ZHANG Xiaojun, XING Pengtao, SHU Huiming, et al. Experimental study on wet heat accelerated aging of HTPB propellant [J]. Synthetic Materials Aging and Application, 2022, 51(05):1-4+134. DOI:10.16584/j.cnki.issn1671-5381.2022.05.049.

[5] ZHANG Lei, CHANG Xinlong, LAI Jianwei. Lifetime prediction of HTPB solid propellant based on humidity-heat accelerated aging test [J]. Journal of Ballistic and Guidance, 2010, 30(01): 148-150.

[6] ZHANG Xudong, DONG Kehai, QU Kai, SUI Yutang, GUO Lei. Effect of wet aging on mechanical properties of butyl hydroxyl propellants [J]. Journal of Fire Explosives, 2012, 35(03):71-74.

[7] HUO Wen-Long, XIE Li-Na, SUN Xue-Ying, ZHANG Ting-Ting, ZHANG Jian, XIA De-Bin, YANG Yu-Lin, LIN Kai-Feng. Progress of research on the influencing factors and chemical reaction mechanism of solid propellant aging process [J]. Equipment Environmental Engineering, 2023, 20(10):64-76.

[8] YANG Gen, CHI Xuhui, ZHANG Fengtao, CAO Rong, ZHAO Chengyuan, PENG Song. Research progress on wet-heat aging of solid propellants [J]. Chemical Propellants and Polymer Materials, 2019, 17(06):15-19.

[9] WANG Xinyuan, ZHANG Yajun, SUI Xin, TAO Tao. Aging mechanism of HTPB propellant based on infrared spectroscopy [J]. Solid Rocket Technology, 2019, 42(04):471-475.

[10] SUN Haitao, WENG Jiexin, TANG Fei, ZHANG Xuan, SHEN Zhibin. Aging characteristics of naturally stored solid engine propellants [J]. Solid Rocket Technology, 2024, 47(05):638-644.

[11] PEI Liguan, DONG Kehai, KONG Lingze, TANG Yanhui, CHEN Sitong. A review of aging performance studies of composite solid propellants [J]. Chemical Propellants and Polymer Materials, 2018, 16(06):29-34+40.

[12] Guo Zihan. Research on the aging performance of HTPB solid propellant [D]. Harbin Institute of Technology, 2021. DOI:10.27061/d.cnki.ghgdu.2021.003727.

[13] Tang G J, Shen Z B. Probabilistic Storage Life Prediction of Solid Rocket Motor Grain [J]. Acta Armamentarii, 2010, 33(3): 301-306.

[14] Chen X W, Peng X L. Study on storage service life of solid motor for a certain type of missile [J]. Chemical Propellants and Polymeric Materials, 2019, (2): 69-71.

[15] Pai Peng, Zijian Fan, Peng Yu, Zhibin Shen. Tensile-Compressive Asymmetric Mechanical Properties and Constitutive Model of HTPB Propellant [J]. Applied Composite Materials, 2025, (prepublish): 1-14.

[16] HE Tieshan, LI Lei, DU Fang, WU Shixi, HU Jianjiang.Mechanical properties of HTPB propellant with moisture absorption and recovery characteristics [J]. Solid Rocket Technology, 2016, 39(02):225-230.

[17] Muchen Li, Xiangyang Liu, Yingjun Chen, Guanglong Zhang, Chunkun Chen. Experimental study on the characterization of mechanical properties of butyl hydroxyl tetra-component propellant during aging [J]. Solid Rocket Technology, 2024, 47(06):834-839.

[18] Tseng, A. Tooth. Scanning electron microscopy study of tensile fracture behavior of butyl hydroxyl propellant [J]. Solid Rocket Technology, 1999, (04):69-72.

[19] Zeng Yi, Huang Wei, Chen Jiaxing, Xu Jinsheng, Chen Xiong, Wu Rui. Analysis of microscopic damage mechanism of HTPB propellant thermally coupled accelerated aging [J]. Energy-Containing Materials, 2024, 32(02): 162-174.

[20] ZHANG Pan, YANG Hua, LI Jingyi, JIN Mengyue, ARTEMIS Yinwei, YOU Xiaohui, PENG Yan. Progress of aging research on butyl hydroxyl propellant [J]. Chemical Propellants and Polymer Materials, 2024, 22(02):8-15.

Downloads

Published

27-03-2025

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Wang, X., Miao, H., & Li, J. (2025). Research on Solid Propellant Wet-Heat Aging Mechanism and Aging Test Characterization Methods. International Journal of Materials Science and Technology Studies, 3(2), 9-14. https://doi.org/10.62051/ijmsts.v3n2.02