The invented method for measuring the health of a solid rocket propellant
includes embedding at least one piezoelectric capacitance sensor in the
propellant, where the capacitance of the sensor is a function of a
modulus of the propellant, and where the position is selected to measure
manifestations of stress failure as a consequence of changes in the shear
modulus. The capacitance of the sensor is measured at a predetermined
frequency. The capacitance of the piezoelectric capacitance sensor is
converted into a digital representation which is then converted into the
digital representation of a modulus (or gradient modulus). In subsequent
analysis, the modulus (or gradient of the modulus) is correlated to the
health of the solid rocket propellant.