Scattered-light photoelastic stress analysis of a solid-propellant rocket motor

Scattered-light photoelasticity, a nondestructive technique, is used to determine the stress distribution in a three-dimensional, solid-propellant rocket motor. The model is a case-bonded solid propellant with a stargrain internal boundary. Stresses are induced by internal pressure. The pressure load simulates part of the stresses developed in firing a rocket. The model material is polyurethane rubber which is similar to the binder material in actual rockets. The model construction and data analysis are discussed in detail, and the results are presented in graphical form.