Abstract A rocket motor casing comprises a tube made of helically wound and cured phite/epoxy resin. A plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending slits are cut into the graphite/epoxy structure which is subsequently covered by an aramid fiber/rubberized resin system which is hoop wrapped around the outer surface of the graphite/epoxy structure. During gun launching, the motor casing is capable of withstanding inwardly directed circumferential forces which tend to reduce the size of the slits and buckle and bend the aramid fiber/rubberized resin system. This system is capable of withstanding such deformation without failure. After launch the rocket motor is fired which requires the casing to act as a pressure vessel to withstand the outwardly directed forces from the rocket motor. These forces are withstood by the strength of the aramid fiber/rubberized resin system. Sufficient axial strength is provided by the cured and helical wound graphite/epoxy structure.
A rocket motor casing for a gun-launched rocket, comprising: a helically wound and cured graphite/epoxy tubular structure having a plurality of circumferentially spaced substantially axially extending slits therein; and a hoop wrapped resilient fiber structure wrapped onto at least one surface of said tubular structure, which covers and spans said slits.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
51 words
A rocket motor casing for a gun-launched rocket, comprising: a helically wound and cured graphite/epoxy tubular structure having a plurality of circumferentially spaced substantially axially extending slits therein; and a hoop wrapped resilient fiber structure wrapped onto at least one surface of said tubular structure, which covers and spans said slits.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A rocket motor casing according to claim 1, wherein said hoop wrapped structure comprises an aramid fiber/rubberized resin composite.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A rocket motor casing according to claim 2, wherein said hoop wrapped structure is positioned on an outer surface of said tubular structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A rocket motor casing according to claim 1, wherein said hoop wrapped structure is positioned on an outer surface of said tubular structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A rocket motor casing according to claim 1, including five circumferentially spaced slits in said tubular structure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A rocket motor casing according to claim 1, wherein said tubular and hoop wrapped structures are cylindrical, said slits extending axially.