Non-Defence Trials

SRB Propellant Trials

The WTF was selected by NASDA (now JAXA) in conjunction with the Nissan Motor Company for the shock testing of propellant material from the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) used on the Japanese H-IIA satellite launch vehicle. The purpose of the testing was to determine the explosive potential and fragmentation characteristics of the propellant, and in particular, to simulate the high speed impact of unburnt propellant as might occur in the event of a launch accident.

The SRB trials were conducted at the Large Scale Explosives Test Area with the support of Defence and contractor personnel, and involved the high velocity impact of a heavy steel plate on to cylindrical masses of propellant. Acceleration of the ‘flyer’ plate was achieved using shaped plastic explosive. An extensive suite of Japanese-supplied instrumentation was installed at the test site, together with ARDU-supplied firing and photographic equipment.

Two successful series of SRB trials were conducted in 1997 and 1998 using propellant masses of 500 kg and 1000 kg. The tests graphically demonstrated the potential of unburnt rocket propellant to explode violently (pictured) in the event of premature impact at high velocity. The SRB trials provided essential data to NASDA for establishing safety criteria at the Tanegashima Space Center in support of H-IIA launch operations (including enhanced reinforcing of protective concrete bunkers).