This study investigates the thermal expansion characteristics of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene(HTPB) based solid propellants, focusing on batch-to-batch variability and accelerated aging effects. Coefficient of thermal expansion(CTE) measurements were conducted using thermomechanical analyzer(TMA) on samples from different manufacturing batches and specimens aged at various temperatures for different durations. Results indicate variations in CTE values between batches, highlighting the significance of manufacturing process control. Accelerated aging experiments reveal minimal systematic changes in CTE, suggesting stability of thermal expansion properties under short-term thermal stress. The overall distribution of CTE values shows concentration within a specific range, indicating consistency in thermal expansion characteristics. These findings provide insights into the thermal behavior of HTPB-based solid propellants, contributing to improved missile design and lifecycle prediction models.

This study presents a systematic causal analysis of the fuel consumption rate reduction phenomenon observed in mortar-carrier tracked vehicles during driving tests. The investigation focused on identifying the root causes and developing effective improvement measures. Through comprehensive inspections and tests of the chassis and power pack components, along with data analysis, the study identified the damage of the engine flywheel housing gasket and the clogging of the transmission exhaust pump strainer as the main causes of the reduced fuel consumption rate. The causal relationship between the two phenomena was empirically proven using material composition analysis and statistical techniques, enhancing the reliability and validity of the diagnosis. Based on the root cause analysis results, improvements were implemented, including the replacement of the engine gasket and the cleaning of the transmission exhaust pump strainer. The effectiveness of the improvements was quantitatively verified, confirming a significant enhancement in fuel consumption rate and cruising range. By employing a systematic and scientific analysis methodology, this study provides a foundation for improving the reliability and maintenance efficiency of similar weapon systems and power transmission systems in general.