The Effect of Simulated Aerodynamic Heating on the Strength of Three Rocket Motor Case Steels.

The effect of simulated aerodynamic heating on the strength of three high strength steels used in rocket motor cases was investigated. Low alloy steel RS 131 (1% Cr-Mo) and 18% Ni maraging steels DTD 5212 and RPE 1090 (G 125) were tested at temperatures up to 700 deg C attained in 5 seconds. The results show that the reduction in short term strength of these metals at elevated temperatures is not so great as to preclude their use in Mach 3 missiles and in some types of Mach 4 missiles. (Author)