Feasibility of Optimized Heat Source Assisted Combustion in Solid Rocket Motors

Abstract

Advances in rocket propulsion have a predominant role in space exploration developments. As an active chemical propulsion system, the efficiency of operations depends largely upon the nature of the combustion process and related energy transfer. Modern rockets are well known to epitomizes a distinct area of propulsion assisted by external thermal source(s)/rocket boosters. The presence of external heat source(s) encourages high possibility of fire risk/ hazards, which can adequately threaten the operation of a space vehicle. The increase in space exploration activities from the last few decades have also resulted in elevated fatal accidents rates, making it imperative to understand the combustion rate variation in presence of external energy source(s). The quintessential aspect of the minimization of the risks/hazards owing to uneven energy transfer in a rocket engine is an active area of research. In recently, the momentous development has directed resourceful, safer and productive utilization of external energy source(s). Present work experimentally attempts to understand the correlation between inter-energy conversions with the non-linear placement of external energy source(s). The physical insight is expected to be very helpful in offering a new perspective into futuristic rocket designs and safety. An experimental setup was upraised comprising of paraffin wax candle as pilot fuel and incense sticks as the external energy source(s). Non-equidistant parametric experimentation was carried out with variation in number of external exergy source(s) and the effects were noted on regression rate changes. The results indicate energy systems with non-linear placement of different external energy source(s) signifies uneven and non-monotonic energy transfer. The extent of energy transfer varies intensely with the interspace distance and number of external energy sources. The interpretations provide useful insight that could be helpful in proper testing, validation, material selection, and designing of solid rocket motors with enhanced fire safety.
Keywords: Solid propellant, pilot fuel, external heat source, regression rates, solid rocket motors, fire safety

Cite this Article

Minal Jain, Vinayak Malhotra. Feasibility of Optimized Heat Source Assisted Combustion in Solid Rocket Motors. Research & Reviews: Journal of Space Science & Technology. 2018; 7(3): 12–25p.