OPTIMUM DESIGN OF SOLID PROPELLANT ROCKETS

Abstract

A method is proposed whereby one can study rapidly the weight and size variations of a rocket motor that has to conform to given specifications in the full range of usable geometries and pressures. The method is general and independent of the shape of the propulsive charge, although it takes into account the ballistic properties of the propellant. Thus, from the preliminary design stage, the characteristics of the optimum motor can be determined. Also it is possible, when necessary, to make an estimate of how far one departs from the optimum to satisfy an extra condition. Finally it stresses the advantage that seems to exist in using several motors instead of a single unit in the case of large thrusts and short burning times. The acceleration of a rocket up to a given speed is also studied and relations have been established giving the maximum velocity obtainable when the outer diameter of the motor is imposed. Finally the importance of the dead weight is underlined.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1960
Accession Number
AD0258520

Entities

People

  • Jean A. Vandenkerckhove

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Diameters
  • Energetic Materials
  • Geometry
  • Materials
  • Mathematics
  • Physical Properties
  • Propellants
  • Rocket Engines
  • Rockets
  • Solid Propellants
  • Specifications

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Rocket Propulsion.
  • Systems Analysis and Design