AA-2_Propellant_-_AS2543-H_Item_Spec.pdf

INCH-POUND

DTL AS 2543 H

CAGE Code 14083

15 February 2013

SUPERSEDING

AS 2543 G

31 October 2012

DETAIL SPECIFICATION

PRODUCT FUNCTION SPECIFICATION

FOR

PROPELLANT, DOUBLE-BASE, NOSIH-AA-2

Prepared for:

Product Manager, Joint Attack Munition Systems

Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5610

Prepared by:

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division

Indian Head, MD 20640-5035

SUBMITTED BY:_______________________________ DATE:________

Michael Dutton

2.75-Inch Rocket Motor Design Agent

NSWC Indian Head Division

APPROVED FOR USE AS

PRODUCT BASELINE BY:_______________________________ DATE: ________

Brian Goedert

PMA-242 Chief Engineer for Airborne Rockets

NSWC Indian Head Division

AMSC N/A FSC 1340

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT D: DISTRIBUTION AUTHORIZED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

AND DOD CONTRACTORS ONLY; ADMINISTRATIVE OR OPERATIONAL USE; 28 MAY 1996. OTHER

REQUESTS FOR THIS DOCUMENT SHALL BE REFERRED TO COMMANDER, NAVAL SURFACE

WARFARE CENTER, INDIAN HEAD DIVISION, INDIAN HEAD, MD 20640-5035.

DESTRUCTION NOTICE. FOR UNCLASSIFIED, LIMITED DOCUMENTS, DESTROY BY ANY METHOD

THAT WILL PREVENT DISCLOSURE OF CONTENTS OR RECONSTRUCTION OF THE DOCUMENT.

2/15/13

2/15/13

AS 2543H

1. SCOPE

1.1 Scope. This specification covers the requirements for two classes of double-base propellant, NOSIH-AA-2.

1.2 Classification. The propellant shall be furnished in the following classes (see 6.2).

Class 1 Sheet

Class 2 Carpet roll

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

2.1 General. The documents listed in this section are specified in sections 3, 4, or 5 of this specification. This section does not include documents cited in other sections of this specification or recommended for additional information or as examples. While every effort has been made to ensure the completeness of this list, document users are cautioned that they must meet all specified requirements documents cited in sections 3, 4, or 5 of this specification, whether or not they are listed.

2.2 Government documents.

2.2.1 Specifications, standards, and handbooks. The following specifications, standards, and handbooks form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are those cited in the solicitation or contract (see 6.2).

SPECIFICATIONS

MILITARY

MIL-B-85735 Ballistic Modifier LC-12-15

MIL-D-22346 Di-Normal Propyl Adipate (DNPA)

MIL-DTL-244 Nitrocellulose

MIL-N-246 Nitroglycerin

MIL-N-3399 2-Nitrodiphenylamine

MIL-T-301 Triacetin (Glyceryl Triacetate)

MIL-W-181 Wax (Candellila)

STANDARDS

MILITARY

MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage

MIL-STD-130 Identification Marking of U.S. Military Property

MIL-STD-286 Propellant, Solid, Sampling, Examination, and Testing

(Copies of these documents are available online at https://assist.dla.mil.)

2.2.2 Other Government publications. The following other Government documents, drawings and publications form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are those cited in the solicitation or contract (see 6.2).

SPECIFICATIONS

NAVY

AS 2544 Propellant Grain, Mark 90 Mod 0 (For Use in Rocket

Motor Mark 66 Mods)

PUBLICATIONS

NAVY

OD 9376 Standard Methods and Procedures for the Strand

Burning-Rate Evaluation of Rocket Propellant Powder

(Copies of Government documents, drawings and publications required by manufacturers in connection with specific acquisition functions should be obtained from the contracting activity or as directed by the contracting officer.)

2.3 Non-Government publications. The following documents form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are those cited in the solicitation or contract (see 6.2).

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM)

ASTM D 638 Tensile Properties of Plastics

(Copies of this document are available online at www.astm.org.)

2.4 Order of precedence. Unless otherwise noted herein or in the contract, in the event of a conflict between the text of this document and the references cited herein (except for related specification sheets), the text of this document takes precedence. Nothing in this document, however, supersedes applicable laws and regulations unless a specific exemption has been obtained.

3. REQUIREMENTS

3.1 First article. Unless otherwise specified, a first article sample shall be submitted for testing (see 4.4).

3.2 Composition. The propellant shall consist of the materials specified in table I within the tolerances specified. It is recommended that the weight percentage of nitroglycerin be no lower than 38 percent.

TABLE I

COMPOSITION

MATERIAL SPECIFICATION PERCENT BY WEIGHT1

Nitrocellulose

MIL-DTL-244, Grade D2

51.0 ± 1.5

Nitroglycerin MIL-N-246 38.6 (Nominal) Triacetin MIL-T-301 2.7 (Nominal) Di-n-propyl adipate MIL-D-223463 1.6 (Nominal) 2-Nitrodiphenylamine MIL-N-3399 2.0 ± 0.5 LC-12-15 MIL-B-85735 4.0 (Nominal) Candellila wax MIL-W-181 0.1 (Nominal)

1The weight percentages are on a volatile-free basis.

212.2% nitrogen (processed from cotton linter cellulose).

3Except the saponification number shall be 450 to 490.

3.3 Dimensions.

3.3.1 Class 1-sheet. Unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase order, flat sheets shall be of the following dimensions:

Length 33 ± 3 inches Width 4 ± 1/8 inch Thickness 0.070 to 0.090 inch

3.3.2 Class 2-carpet rolls. Unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase order, carpet rolls shall be of the following dimensions:

Thickness of component sheet 0.070 to 0.090 inch Width of roll (parallel to axis) 4 ± 1/8 inch Diameter of roll As specified in contract or order

3.4 Total volatiles. The total volatiles content shall be no greater than 0.60 percent when tested in accordance with 4.6.2.

3.5 Heat of explosion. The mean (Ho) and standard deviations (SH) shall be determined in accordance with 4.6.3. The following criteria, illustrated in figure l, shall apply.

Ho + SH 1,010 calories per gram

Ho - SH 985 calories per gram

SH 5.0 calories per gram

FIGURE l

ACCEPTANCE CHART FOR HEAT OF EXPLOSION REQUIREMENT.

3.6 Strand-burning rate. Inhibited strands of the propellant shall meet the following requirements.

3.6.1 Average strand-burning rate. The average of the five individual strand-burning rate determinations at each temperature and pressure shall be within the specification limits of table II when the burning is conducted under the controlled conditions of pressure and temperature specified in table II. If one or more pressure and temperature data points lie outside the specification limit, the following acceptance criteria shall apply: the sum of the squares of the differences as computed in 4.6.4.1 .c shall not exceed 0.0005 inch squared per second squared.

TABLE II

STRAND-BURNING RATE

PRESSURE

(psia)

BURNING RATE

(in/sec)

Lower limit

-65 F

Upper limit

165 F

1,200

0.610

0.790

1,600 0.610 0.760 2,000 0.440 0.770 2,400 0.430 0.800 2,800 0.470 0.900

3.6.2 Average strand-burning rate range. The average of the ranges of strand-burning rate for the 10 sets of 5 shots as computed in 4.6.4.1.d shall not exceed 0.030 inch per second.

3.7 Taliani stability. The slope of the pressure time curve at 100 minutes shall not exceed 0.70 millimeter of mercury per minute (see 4.6.5).

3.8 Physical properties. When treated in accordance with 4.6.6, average maximum stress and average strain at maximum stress shall meet or exceed the values in table III.

TABLE III

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

PROPERTY

TEMPERATURE ( F)

-65 ± 4

77 ± 4

165 ± 4

Average maximum stress (psi)

2,400

Average strain at maximum stress (in/in) 0.025 0.130 0.190

3.9 Rework. Rework, identified as saw fines, coning shavings, dowel-rod shavings, and rejected extruded grain blanks or "press scrap," may be added to the following NOSIH-AA-2 propellant process points: saw fines, coning shavings, and dowel-rod shavings, up to a maximum of 20 percent, may be added to the slurry mix operation. Rejected extruded grain blanks or press scrap may be added to the NOSIH-AA-2 virgin sheet propellant at the evenspeed rollers up to a maximum of 20 percent. The maximum combined rework, added to both the slurry mix and the evenspeed rollers, shall not exceed 20 percent. For example, assuming 10 percent rework was added to the slurry mix, a maximum of 10 percent rework would be allowable at the evenspeed rolling operation. All rework material must be contamination free of foreign material and ethyl cellulose. Foreign material is defined as any material other than AA-2 propellant formulation.

Scrap sheet propellant from the slitter may also be uniformly incorporated with virgin sheet propellant at the evenspeed rolling operation; however, slitter scrap is not subject to the above restrictions on the percentage of rework which may be added. All slitter scrap material must be contamination free.

3.9.1 Definitions.

a. Saw fines — Fine sawdust from the sawing operation.

b. Coning shavings — Fine hair-like shavings removed from the boring of the grain during the coning operation.

c. Dowel-rod shavings — Thin ribbon-like shavings removed from the exterior of the grain surface during the dowel-rod operation

d. Press scrap — Rejected extruded grain blanks, press necks, etc. (Shucks or loose scrap material left around the ram of the press is not considered rework.)

e. Slitter scrap — Scrap produced at the slitter operation where the sheet propellant is cut to the proper width and rolled into carpet rolls.

3.10 Workmanship. The propellant shall be free of foreign matter (see 4.6.1).

4. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS

4.1 Responsibility for inspection. Unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase order, the contractor is responsible for the performance of all inspection requirements as specified herein. Except as otherwise specified in the contract or purchase order, the contractor may use his own or any other facilities suitable for the performance of the inspection requirements specified herein, unless disapproved by the Government. The Government reserves the right to perform any of the inspections set forth in the specification where such inspections are deemed necessary to ensure supplies and services conform to prescribed requirements.

4.2 Classification of inspections. The inspection requirements specified herein are classified as follows:

a. First article inspection (see 4.4)

b. Quality conformance inspection (see 4.5).

4.3 Inspection conditions. Unless otherwise specified (see 6.2), all inspections shall be performed as specified in the applicable test method of 4.6.

4.4 First article inspection. First article inspection shall be performed after award of contract and prior to production by a facility designated in the contract or order (see 6.2). First article inspection shall be performed on sample units which have been produced using the same materials, equipment, processes and procedures as will be used in regular production. All parts and materials, including packaging and packing shall be the same as used for regular production and shall be from the intended sources of supply.

4.4.1 Sample size. The first article sample shall be as specified by the procuring activity.

4.4.2 Inspection routine. The sample shall undergo the tests specified in 4.6 and any additional tests as specified by the procuring activity.

4.4.3 Failure. Failure of the sample to meet the requirements of this specification and AS 2544 shall be cause for rejection of the first article sample.

4.5 Quality conformance inspection. Quality conformance inspection shall consist of the tests specified in 4.6.

4.5.1 Lot size. Unless otherwise specified (see 6.2), the production lot size shall consist of not more than 200,000 pounds. A lot shall consist of material from a single production line with homogeneous manufacturing techniques. A lot shall consist of slurry paste made by a single production facility. Slurry paste is a mix of nitrocellulose, nitroglycerine, di-normal propyl adipate, candellila wax, and triacetin that uses water as the mix carrier.

4.5.2 Sampling. Each lot of propellant submitted for acceptance shall be sampled by the contractor under the direction of the Government inspector. Fifty-four individual evenspeed-rolled sheets shall be selected at random for each inspection lot. A sample at least 11 inches long by 4 inches wide shall be cut at random from each of the 54 sheets selected. The long axis of each sample shall lie in a direction which is parallel to the final rolling. The samples shall be numbered consecutively to facilitate proper testing sequence. From 50 of the 54 samples, four individual test samples shall be selected in accordance with figure 2 and these shall be further sampled and prepared for laboratory tests as described in 4.5.2.1 through 4.5.2.4. From each of the remaining four samples, four individual tensile specimens shall be selected in accordance with figure 3 for testing as described in 4.6.6.

4.5.2.1 Test sample A: heat of explosion determination. Eight samples shall be selected at random from the 50 samples designated. From each of the eight samples, a portion weighing at least 20 grams shall be reduced in size in a Wiley Mill (or equivalent) to pass through a U.S. No. 20 mesh screen. Each of the resultant samples shall be stored in a separate moisture-tight container made from one of the following materials compatible with the propellant: tin plate, aluminum, glass, or stainless steel. Each container shall be properly identified, in accordance with MIL-STD-l30, as follows:

Test Sample A

Sample No. 5

NOSIH-AA-2 Lot 1917

Date sampled

Sampled by

4.5.2.2 Test sample B: strand-burning rate determination. From each of the selections after removal of the specimens for test sample A, as many 1/8 to 3/16-inch wide strands that are needed to obtain one satisfactory strand shall be cut. The remainder of each of the sections plus unsatisfactory strands (if any) shall be saved for test sample D. The fifty 1/8-inch wide strands thus obtained shall be further cut to a length of about 7-1/2 inches and the remaining short lengths shall be retained for test sample C. The resultant 7-1/2-inch long strands shall be stored in moisture-tight containers and properly identified.

4.5.2.2.1 Alternate test sample B: strand-burning rate determination. From each of the selections after removal of the specimens for test sample A, cut six 3/16-inch wide strands about 7 inches long. The first four 7-inch long strands, from each of the 50 sample sheets, shall be stored in moisture tight containers and properly identified. One of the four strands from each sheet shall be used for strand-burning in 4.6.4.

The fifth and sixth strands from each selection shall be saved for total volatiles, chemical analysis and Taliani tests.

4.5.2.2.2 Optional sample size for alternate test sample B: strand-burning rate determination. From each of the selections after removal of the specimens for test sample A, cut five 3/16-inch wide strands about 7 inches long. The first four 7-inch long strands, from each of the 50 sample sheets, shall be stored in moisture tight containers and properly identified. One of the four strands from each sheet shall be used for strand-burning in 4.6.4. The fifth strand from each selection shall be saved for total volatiles, chemical analysis and Taliani tests.

4.5.2.3 Test sample C: total volatiles determination. Each of the short lengths of 1/8-inch wide strips remaining after the preparation of test sample B shall be cut to a length of 3 inches. Then each of these lengths shall be further reduced in size by cutting into approximately 1/8-inch squares or by slicing, crushing or grinding into smaller pieces should the squares unnecessarily prolong the time required for total volatiles extraction. The resultant material (at least 20 grams in weight) shall be thoroughly blended, stored in a moisture-tight container, and properly identified.

4.5.2.3.1 Alternate test sample C: total volatiles determination. One of the two strands remaining after the preparation of test sample B shall be cut into two equal parts. (One half-strand and remaining whole strand shall be saved for test sample D.) Each of the remaining half strands shall be further reduced in size by cutting into approximately 3/16-inch squares or by slicing, crushing, or grinding into smaller pieces should the squares unnecessarily prolong the time required for total volatiles extraction. The resultant material (at least 20 grams in weight) shall be thoroughly blended, stored in a moisture-tight container, and properly identified.

4.5.2.3.2 Optional sample size for alternate test sample C: total volatiles determination. The single strand remaining after the preparation of test sample B shall be cut into three equal parts. Each of the first one-third strands shall be further reduced in size by cutting into approximately 3/16-inch squares, or by slicing, crushing, or grinding into smaller pieces should the squares unnecessarily prolong the time required for total volatiles extraction. The resultant material (at least 20 grams in weight) shall be thoroughly blended, stored in a moisture-tight container, and properly identified. Each of the remaining two one-third strand segments shall be saved for test sample D.

4.5.2.4 Test sample D: general chemical analysis and Taliani stability test. From the material remaining after the preparation of test sample B and test sample C, a section weighing about 4 grams shall be selected from each of the 50 samples. These sections shall be reduced in size as described in Method 509.3, MIL-STD-286, and blended thoroughly to give a uniform sample weighing at least 150 grams.

4.5.2.4.1 Alternate test sample D: general chemical analysis and Taliani stability test. From remaining strand and half-strand remaining from the preparation from test sample B and test sample C, reduce in size as described in Method 509.3, MIL-STD-286, and blend thoroughly to give a uniform sample weighing at least 150 grams.

4.5.2.4.2 Optional sample size for alternate test sample D: general chemical analysis and Taliani stability test. The two one-third strand segments remaining after the preparation of test sample B and test sample C shall be reduced in size as described in Method 509.3, MIL-STD-286, and then blended thoroughly to give a uniform sample weighing at least 150 grams.

FIGURE 2

DIVISION OF SHEET SAMPLE INTO FOUR INDIVIDUAL TEST SAMPLES

ALTERNATE FIGURE 2

DIVISION OF SHEET SAMPLE INTO FOUR INDIVIDUAL TEST SAMPLES

FIGURE 3

SHEET SAMPLE AND TENSILE SPECIMENS

4.6 Test methods.

4.6.1 Chemical analysis. A chemical analysis shall be carried out on each lot to determine conformance to

3.2. Test methods shall be as specified in table IV.

TABLE IV

TEST METHODS

MATERIAL

MIL-STD-286

METHOD NUMBER

Nitrocellulose 209.2.1

Nitroglycerin 208.1.3 2-Nitrodiphenylamine 218.4.3 Candellila wax 228.1.1 LC-12-l5 3l6.1.1 (atomic absorption)1 Triacetin 226.2.1 Di-n-propyl adipate 226.2.1

1Using atomic absorption, determine lead content as follows:

15-12-LC in lead % wt.

100 found lead %

= 15-12-LC %

4.6.2 Total volatiles. The total volatiles content shall be determined in accordance with Method 103.5.2, MIL-STD-286, with the sample taken in accordance with 4.5.2.3.

4.6.3 Heat of explosion. The heat of explosion (in calories/gram) shall be determined with a method approved by the procuring activity or in accordance with Method 802.1, MIL-STD-286, with the eight samples taken in 4.5.2.1, except that prepurified nitrogen gas shall be used. Two determinations shall be made on each of the eight samples. The mean (Ho) shall be the arithmetic mean of all 16 determinations.

The standard deviation (SH) shall be calculated as:

where:

Hi = mean heat of explosion as determined for each pair of determinations for a given sample.

4.6.4 Strand-burning rate. The strand-burning rate shall be determined in accordance with Method 803.1.1, MIL-STD-286, or OD 9376 with the 50 samples taken in 4.5.2.2. The calculations shall be in accordance with OD 9376 and the following.

4.6.4.1 Computation.

a. Procedures for computing the average burning rate of individual strands and for determining the necessity of partial retesting of lots of propellant powder shall be in accordance with OD 9376.

(1) Provided that strands are divided into three equal increments of length, by the insertion of four fuse wires, the value of ro (the difference between the burning rates of the fastest and slowest burning increments of any strand) shall be 0.037 in/sec maximum for NOSIH-AA-2 propellant. The value of ro (the difference between the burning rates of the two increments which agree most closely) shall be 0.030 in/sec maximum for NOSIH-AA-2 propellant. If the value of ro is exceeded, a second strand shall be burned to replace faulty data (see OD 9376).

(2) Regardless of the number of increments per strand, the following criterion may be used (in addition to procedure (1) when the three-increment strands are employed) whenever the range of burning rates for any group of five complete strands appears excessive. The range of the four closest burning rates shall be divided by the range of all five burning rates. If the dimensional ratio so obtained is less than 0.358, an extra strand may be burned to replace the faulty data.

b. The average burning rate at each of the 10 conditions of temperature and pressure shall be determined from the 5 individual strand-burning rates at each condition.

io

H

)HH(

i

= S

c. The average burning rates obtained in b above shall be compared with those in table II for the minimum desired burning rates in the case of -65 F firings, and maximum desired rates in the case of 165 F firings. Whenever the average burning rate at -65 F at any of the five test pressures is less than the minimum desired value, the difference shall be squared; whenever the average burning rate at 165 F at any of the five test pressures is greater than the maximum desired value, the difference shall be squared;

the sum of the squares of the difference shall be obtained and compared with 3.6.1.

d. The range of individual values for strand-burning rate at each of the 10 conditions of firing shall be determined by subtracting the lowest rate in each set of 5 individual strand-burning rates from the highest rate in the respective set. The average for the 10 sets shall be computed.

4.6.5 Taliani stability. The Taliani stability shall be determined in accordance with Method 406.1.3, MIL-STD-286, with the sample taken in 4.5.2.4.

4.6.6 Physical properties. Tests samples selected in accordance with 4.5.2 shall be subjected to constant strain rate tensile tests in accordance with ASTM D 638 with the following exceptions:

a. Standard test temperatures shall be as specified in table III; maximum allowable time from cutting of tensile specimens to testing shall be 72 hours.

b. Specimen storage prior to testing and during testing shall be under conditions of less than 50 percent relative humidity.

4.7 Manufacturing data and test reports. A Propellant Description Sheet (ARRCOM Form 214), including the manufacturing data and a report of all test results, shall be prepared. One copy of this form shall be sent to Commander, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Code E11, 101 Strauss Avenue, Indian Head, MD 20640-5035. One copy of the form shall be sent to:

Commander

Joint Attack Munition Systems PO

5250 Martin Road

Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898

(Attn: SFAE-MSLS-JAMS-P-PA)

5. PACKAGING

5.1 Packaging. The propellant shall be packaged in a suitable container that is acceptable for transportation by common carrier. The shipping container and manner of packing shall be indicated in the contract or purchase order.

5.2 Marking. In addition to any special marking required by the contract or order, shipping containers shall be marked in accordance with MIL-STD-129. In addition, the label on each container shall bear the following information:

Smokeless Powder for Rockets

Sheet Propellant, Type NOSIH-AA-2

Lot Number_________________________

Contractor's Name

Contract Number

Net and Gross Weight

6. NOTES

6.1 Intended use. The double-base propellant covered by this specification is intended for use in the processing of Mark 90 Mod 0 Propellant Grains for the Mark 66 Mod 4 2.75-Inch Rocket Motor.

6.2 Ordering data. Acquisition documents should specify the following:

a. Title, number and date of this specification

b. Whether first article inspection is required, and if so, specify the test activity

c. Production lot size (see 4.5.1), class (see 1.2), test activity and diameter of carpet roll

(see 3.3.2).

d. Report of test results (see 4.7)

e. Packing and marking requirements, if other than as specified (see 5. 1 and 5.2)

f. That the safety precaution requirements of the "Contractor's Safety Manual for

Ammunition, Explosives, and Related Dangerous Material," DoD 4145.26M are applicable. NOTE: When this specification is used as part of the description of work to be accomplished by a Government activity, the safety precaution requirements of

"Ammunition and Explosives Ashore," OP5 are applicable.

6.3 Changes from previous issue. Symbols are not used in this revision to identify changes with respect to the previous issue, due to the extensiveness of the changes. Authority for changes can be found in the following Engineering Change Proposal: R13R4350F.