Mitigation of Critical Single Point Failure (SPF) Material - Laminac 4116 Binder Replacement Program for Parachute and Cluster Stars Illuminant Compositions for Hand Held Signals; Conference paper

摘要

Laminac 4116 binder has been identified as a single point failure (SPF) material since it is being produced by only one company and there is a possibility that the company may discontinue production due to low product demand. In addition, other issues involved with the use of Laminac include limited shelf life, environmental and health hazardous concerns. An investigation was conducted to develop alternate and environmentally compatible binder materials to replace Laminac in illuminant compositions for Hand Held Signals (HHS). Several vinyl alcohol acetate resins (VAAR) produced by different companies were investigated. Based on the static burn test results, vinyl alcohol acetate resins (by UC and McGean Inc. and 3V Inc. trade name, Polivic-S202) were selected and optimized for illuminant compositions. Qualification tests for the full-up signals were conducted with the new binders in illuminant compositions at hot, ambient and cold temperatures per First Article Testing (FAT) protocol. This report discusses the test data and the evaluation criteria of the binders for hand held signals. The results indicate that the signals with the new binders met or exceeded the performance requirement and the data are comparable to the current Laminac signals. No critical failure was observed for any signal in the function tests conducted. Overall the data clearly demonstrated that both VAAR (by UC and McGean Inc.) and VAAR (by 3V Inc., Trade name Polivic S202) binder materials can be used to replace laminac 4116 binder in the illuminant compositions for HHS without compromising performance. This accomplishment has assured continued supply of reliable hand held signals (HHS) to our ground troop without interruption in the event of discontinued supply of Laminac 4116.