Book Description

Quality control inspection of Pershing II (P-II) solid-propellant rocket motors was historically the responsibility of the manufacturer. Now the U.S. Army Pueblo Depot Activity (PDA) has been assigned the task of nondestructive evaluation and inspection (NDE/NDI) of P-II motors returned from the field. The purpose of this study was to make recommendations for upgrading PDA's inspection capabilities. Its procedures and facilities were reviewed, as were the inspection requirements of field-returned P-II motors. Advanced techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and real-time radiography (RTR) were evaluated, and experimental ultrasound and thermography techniques were reviewed. The study recommended modification of existing inspection procedures and installation of an advanced RTR system, including a modification of motor-handling equipment. The existing betatron appeared to be a suitable X-ray source. Also recommended were a borescope, to inspect aspects of the solid fuel, and a thickness gage. CT was rejected because it cost more than RTR without increasing inspection capabilities and would require extensive modification or replacement of existing facilities. Although potentially useful, advanced ultrasound methods are still at the experimental stage and could not be recommended. However, an advanced thermography system was found to be immediately applicable for detecting subsurface anomalies. Keywords: Nondestructive testing, Pershing II rocket motors, Rocket engines, Inspection.