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Solid Rocket
Propulsion
Basics
High thrust
Simple
Storability
High density Isp
Disadvantages
Ballistic Missiles
Propellant storability
Excellent aging
Quick response
storability
high F/W ratio)
Thermal Insulation
Design involves:
Analysis of combustion chamber environment
Stagnation temperature
Stagnation pressure
Propellant gases (material compatibility)
The Nozzle
The design of the nozzle follows similar
steps as for other thermodynamic rockets
Throat area determined by desired stagnation
pressure and thrust level
Expansion ratio determined by ambient
pressure or pressure range to allow maximum
efficiency
Ablation
Meteorite
Re-entry speed of 10 - 20 km/sec
Extreme heating in the atmosphere
Ablation and internal energy modes cooled the
meteorite through its fall
Ablation gas cloud
Dissociation
Internal energy deposition
Stony-Iron Classification
(95% of all meteorites)
Ignition System
Large solid motors typically use a three-stage
ignition system
Initiator: Pyrotechnic element that converts electrical
impulse into a chemical reaction (primer)
Booster charge
Main charge: A charge (usually a small solid motor) that
ignites the propellant grain. Burns for tenths of a second
with a mass flow about 1/10 of the initial propellant grain
mass flow.
Propellant Grain
Two main catagories
Double Base: A homogeneous propellant
grain, usually nitrocellulose dissolved in
nitroglycerin. Both ingredients are explosive
and act as a combined fuel, oxidizer and
binder
Composite: A heterogeneous propellant grain
with oxidizer crystals and powdered fuel held
together in a matrix of synthetic rubber binder.
Less hazardous to manufacture and handle
Conventional Composite
Fuel
5-22% Powdered Aluminum
Oxidizer
65-70% Ammonium Perchlorate (NH4ClO4 or
AP)
Binder
8-14% HydroxylTerminated
Polybutadiene (HTPB)
Fuels
Aluminum (Al)
Molecular Weight: 26.98 kg/kmol
Density: 2700 kg/m3
Most commonly used
Magnesium (Mg)
Molecular Weight: 24.32 kg/kmol
Density: 1750 kg/m3
Clean burning (green)
Beryllium (Be)
Molecular Weight: 9.01 kg/kmol
Density: 2300 kg/m3
Most energetic, but extremely toxic exhaust products
Oxidizers
Ammonium Perchlorate (AP)
Most commonly used
Cl combining with H can form HCl
Toxic
Depletion of ozone
Binders
Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene
(HTPB)
Most commonly used
Consistency of tire rubber
Polybutadiene Acrylonitrile
(PBAN)
Nitrocellulose (PNC)
Double base agent
Additives
Used to promote
Curing
Enhanced burn rate (HMX)
Bonding
Reduced radiation through
the grain (darkening)
Satisfactory aging
Reduced cracking