D. F. Heaney, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA; J. Shigley, W. Albright, ATK Thiokol Propulsion, Brigham City, UT

Summary:

Low cost rocket throats have been manufactured using powder injection molding of tungsten and rhenium elemental powders. The mechanical properties of this material as a function of temperature and actual test results of the throats in both oxidizing and reducing environment have been evaluated. The general findings are that this alloy manufactured by powder injection molding exhibits extreme ductility and no carbon contamination from binder degradation is evident. Minimal wear in both oxidizing and reducing environments is evident on the test rocket throats.