This is a mandrel around which solid propellants for rocket motors are formed. It was used for this purpose by the Atlantic Research Corporation (ARC). Founded shortly after World War II, ARC became a leading developer and producer of small-scale solid-propellant motors and gas generators for the civilian space and defense markets.
Transferred to NASM from Atlantic Research Corporation.
This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.