Three firing tests on nozzles were rendered unsatisfactory due to malfunctioning of the pyrotechnic igniters. These igniters were off-the shelf manufacturer's items. Failure of the igniters was manifested by the leakage of hot gases through the squib end of the igniter body case, followed by complete erosion of that element resulting in a deleterious decrease in chamber pressure and extension of burning time. Although the igniters were several years old, the manufacturer did not believe that aging was the problem. Subsequent examination of the igniters indicated the presence of corrosion of the electrical lead wire immediately adjacent to the ceramic seal enclosing the primer charge. In order to minimize further mishaps, the manufacturer replaced the primer charge unit in all of the igniters remaining on hand.
展开▼
