Energetics Test Services
Physical Sciences Inc. has a strong background in research and development. This has afforded PSI a breadth of experience in energetic/propulsion characterization and preliminary qualification testing. That experience allows us to provide you with a tailored approach to evaluating your novel materials. Below you will find a list of characterization and performance tests that we can conduct on your materials as you make your way towards maturation.
Energetic Characterization Services
- Sensitivity/Hazard Testing – UN Test Series 3 (Impact/Friction/Thermal Stability/Small-Scale Burn) and ESD
- Thermal Analysis – DSC, TGA, Combustion Calorimeter
- Burn Rate Analysis – Optical strand burner and Closed Bomb with temperature control
- Mechanical Testing – Tensile/Compression with temperature control
- Insensitive Munitions (IM) Testing – Slow Cook-off/Bullet Impact (50-cal)/ Variable Confinement Cook-off Test (VCCT)
- Explosive Testing – Detonation Velocity and Plate Dent
50-cal Bullet Impact Test
Ingredient Synthesis and Propellant/Explosive Mixing Capabilities
- Energetic Synthesis Capabilities – Benchtop to >20L Reactors
- AP Grinding – 2um to 200um
- Propellant/Explosive Mixers – Resonant Acoustic Mixers, Dual Asymmetric Centrifuge Mixers, and Traditional Bladed Shear Mixers
Propellant mixed in a bladed shear mixer
Energetic Test Stands/Ranges
- Liquid Rocket Test Cells – Vertical LRE, Horizontal LRE, and Monopropellant Thruster
- Solid Rocket Motor Test Cells – 2×4 Motor, up to 8in diameter motor
- Airbreathing Engine Test Cells – Direct-Connect Ramjet
Key Features
Ability to work with a large range of oxidizers and fuels for propellant test stands including but not limited to:
- Fuels – JP-5, JP-10, RP-1, RP-2, Jet A, hydrogen, methane, and others on request
- Oxidizers – GOX, LOX, High-Test Peroxide (HTP), and others on request
Rotating Detonation Engine Hot-Fire Testing
Distribution Statement A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. This material is based upon work supported by the Office of Naval Research under Contract No. N68335-22-C-0668
Propulsion And Energetic Test Services Form