BATES

BATES is an acronym for BAllistic Test and Evaluation System, which is a standardized system for measuring solid rocket
propellant performance designed and developed by the United States Air Force Research Laboratory in 1959 through the early
1960s,[1] used for almost forty years thereafter, and again beginning in 2010.[2] Then through 2016. According to this reference, a
single propellant grain weighing 68 to 70 pounds was used in the original AFRL BATES motor design. An AFRL BATES propellant
grain is inhibited, usually by a flame resistant cartridge case, on the OD, burning only on the two outer ends and the central bore, and
is dimensioned so the burning area does not change significantly (< 3% in the original BATES motor) through the burn, generating a
flat-topped thrust curve (neutral burn) to minimize propellant characterization costs and simplify the data analysis.

The first official description of the BATES system was published by and available from the Defense Technical Information Center
(DTIC) : “Development and Evaluation of the USAF Ballistic Test Evaluation System for Solid Rocket Propellants”; Accession
Number : AD0276424: Technical documentary report : TEST GROUP (DEVELOPMENT) (6593RD) EDWARDS AFB CA,
published April, 1962.

Author(s) : Gale, Harold W. The available full text : http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/276424.pdf

Abstract : A reproducible, accurate, ballistic evaluation system for solid propellants was developed. Particular attention centered on
an accuracy level of 0.5 percent or better on specific impulse (Isp). Evaluation of new propellants by their manufacturers had resulted
in a multiplicity of definitions and mathematical correction factors which obscure actual performance results and complicate
qualitative comparison of competitive propellants. An industry survey determined desirable standard motor system parameters and
prevailing practices. From industry, best practice such as 1,000 psi combustion pressure and 15 degree nozzle exit half-angle
expanded to local ambient pressure, were adopted in the motor and system design as far as possible. Other system parameters were
selected by the assigned design engineer/manager; 2Lt H. Gale. Eight months after assignment, first firing was in September, 1961.
Twelve firings of two propellants were made for motor and system evaluation. All objectives were successfully achieved or
exceeded. Calibration firings established the confidence level and accuracy of the system prior to evaluation of industry propellants.

An official press release in 1964 included BA

TES information: https://youtube.com/watch?v=mdEClVceMO4

In 2016 the AIR FORCE published through DTIC an overview the included a summary of BATES use.
http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/1034359.pdf

......

In modern usage, BATES often refers to a type of solid-fuel rocket motor grain geometry. A BATES grain consists of two or more
cylindrical grain segments with the outer surface inhibited, but free to burn both on the segment ends and the cylindrical core. Such
center of gravity.[3]
grains can be configured to achieve a desired thrust-time profile while maintaining an acceptable

References
1. Geisler, R.; Beckman, C. "The History of the BATES Motors at the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory"(http://w
ww.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf&AD=ADA405742). AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB
EDWARDS AFB CA PROPULSION DIRECTORATE WEST (1998). Retrieved 16 September 2011.
2. Thuloweit, Kenji. "AFRL test marks return to 'in-house' rocket fuel development"(https://web.archive.org/web/201112
18042337/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123213934). Press Release. US Air Force. Archived fromthe original
(http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123213934) on 18 December 2011. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
3. Nakka, Richard. "RNX Composite Propellant"(http://www.nakka-rocketry.net/rnx_mou.html). Richard Experimental
Rocketry. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
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This page was last edited on 14 June 2018, at 01:11.

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