ROCKET-BLAST-RESISTANT MATERIALS: ROCKET ENGINE BLAST TESTS ON EXPEDIENT SURFACING MATERIALS

Blasts tests with a 500-lb-thrust rocket engine were conducted on a ceramic-coated aluminum blast panels, b steel panels, c plastic panels, and d nylon membrane with and without a heat-resistant coating to determine the capabilities of these items to withstand the high temperatures and velocities generated during the firings. Based on results obtained in this investigation, the following conclusions are believed warranted a The steel panels without protective coating will withstand exposure to higher blast temperatures than will the ceramic-coated aluminum panels. b The ceramic coating on the aluminum panels and the heat-resistant coating on the nylon membrane greatly increase the capabilities of these items to resist the rocket engine exhaust blasts. c The plastic panels sustained considerable damage during exposure for 20 sec to the full-stage blast of the model engine.