Jul 8, 2025

US12350864 - Systems and methods for casting propellant grain

Systems and methods for casting solid propellants include a mandrel for forming geometric features in a perforation of a propellant grain. In various embodiments, the mandrel includes a frangible portion that is removed from the propellant grain after the propellant grain has cured around the mandrel. A second portion of the mandrel may be left behind in the propellant grain. The mandrel may include a support structured disposed in the through hole of the mandrel. The support structure may include a plurality of longitudinal channels for directed exhaust gasses through the mandrel upon ignition of the propellant grain.

Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
Inventors: Brian Wilson, Jean C Rodriguez
Filing date: 2023-12-19

propellantcastingammunition

The patent describes a method for casting solid propellants using a mandrel that forms geometric features and includes a frangible portion that can be removed after curing. This process allows for the creation of a perforation in the propellant grain while retaining part of the mandrel to support gas exhaust upon ignition.

Claim 1

A method for casting a solid propellant, comprising: disposing a mandrel with respect to a casting tube, wherein a cavity is formed between the mandrel and the casting tube; moving an uncured propellant grain into the cavity; curing the propellant grain around the mandrel, wherein a perforation is formed in the cured propellant grain via the mandrel; breaking a first portion of the mandrel apart from a second portion of the mandrel; and removing the first portion from within the propellant grain, while leaving the second portion embedded in the cured propellant grain. disposing a mandrel with respect to a casting tube, wherein a cavity is formed between the mandrel and the casting tube; moving an uncured propellant grain into the cavity; curing the propellant grain around the mandrel, wherein a perforation is formed in the cured propellant grain via the mandrel; breaking a first portion of the mandrel apart from a second portion of the mandrel; and removing the first portion from within the propellant grain, while leaving the second portion embedded in the cured propellant grain.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12350864

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12350864