Fracture energies of composite propellants

Three types of fracture energies, i.e., for initiation, propagation, and the work of fracture, were measured for an ammonium perchlorate/polybutadiene composite propellant. The testing employed the “trouser leg” specimen configuration. The effect of an accelerated again process on these energy values was also investigated, showing that such a process ultimately results in a reduction in the fracture energies.