Abstract: This work aims to determine the diffusion coefficient of the plasticizers dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dioctyl phthalate (DOP) and dioctyl azelate (DOZ) on the internal insulating layer of solid rocket motors. These plasticizers are originally present in the layers of rubber, liner and propellant, respectively. This species are not chemically bonded and tend to diffuse from propellant to insulating and vice versa. A computer program based on the mathematical model of Fick's second Law of diffusion was developed to perform the calculus from the concentration data obtained by gas chromatographic (GC) analyses. The samples were prepared with two different adhesive liners; one conventional (LHNA) and the other with barrier properties (LHNT). A common feature of both liners was that they were synthesized by the reaction of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and diisocyanates. However, a bond promoter was used to increase the crosslink density of the LHNT liner and to improve its performance as barrier against the diffusion. The effects of the diffusion of the plasticizers were also investigated by hardness analyses, which were executed on samples aged at room temperature and at 80ºC. The results showed an increase trend for the samples aged at room temperature and an opposite behavior for the tests carried out at 80ºC.

Abstract: This paper presents an ongoing work at the Institute of Aeronautics and Space (IAE) to provide a process and a system to support the management of knowledge and new technologies applied to the conception and development of the Brazilian Satellite Launcher Program. This management is not only necessary to organize the actual research efforts but also to identify communalities and necessities for the strategic planning of future research projects and development activities. The results of the research projects are usually new technologies that ought to be employed in the development of the Launcher Program. The proposed knowledge management system will not only enable assessing these new technologies but also help in defining and planning the research topics in each important area of this multidisciplinary program, according to the Institute's strategic goals and space mission.