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A solid rocket propellant contains fuel, oxidizer
and additives to control its ballistic and physical properties
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It is extruded or cast and eventually machined to
its final shape
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It appears like a body of hard rubber or plastic
and can have different colours depending on solid fillers
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All surfaces, which must not burn, have to be covered
by an insulating (inert) layer, "the inhibitor"
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When properly ignited, the solid propellant sustains
combustion under the pressure of its own combustion gas; it may extinguish
at fast depressurization
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Propellants and some propellant ingredients can be
initiated by heat, impact/shock, friction and electrostatic discharge
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Mechanical properties and sensitivity to adverse
stimuli may change during ageing of the propellant and increase hazards
for handling and motor firing
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