SEDL / STP / STP439-EB / STP45884S

Application of Alcohol Penetrant for Evaluation of Surface Porosity of Graphite Inserts for Rocket Nozzles

Hendron, J. A.
Nondestructive testing engineer, Aerojet-General Corp., Sacramento, Calif.

Pages: 11    Published: Jan 1968

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Abstract

Detection of defect conditions in rocket nozzle graphite components, using clear alcohol as a penetrant, is described as an inspection method. Procedure and acceptance criteria used for graphite with densities of 1.60 to 1.80 are given. Porosity and density evaluation using standard test blocks is discussed relative to rocket test firing results. It is concluded that this method is the most valuable single inspection technique for graphite in this density range when the technique is compared to other common nondestructive tests.