ALTITUDE TESTING OF HERCULES POWDER COMPANY BE-3 ROCKET MOTORS. PHASE I

Abstract

Identifiers: Ranger. Two solid rocket motors designed for application as a retro-rocket for the lunar impact capsule of the Ranger series of spacecraft were tested at simulated pressure altitude conditions in excess of 100,000 ft as part of a development program to determine motor performance and to evaluate the erosion resistance of the inert components of the motors. Both motors were ignited successfully at simulated altitude conditions of approximately 110,000 ft. The ignition lag time was less than 10 msec. The first motor failed after 4.23 sec of operation because of a case burn-through at the nozzlecase juncture. The total impulse obtained during the second motor firing was 52,460 lbf-sec. Specific impulse was 274.8 lbf-sec/lbm. Inspection of both motors after firing showed considerable deterioration of the phenolic nozzle at the exit plane. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1962
Accession Number
AD0327599

Entities

People

  • A.l. Cannell
  • C.f. Jr. Nokes

Organizations

  • Arnold Engineering Development Complex

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Erosion Resistance
  • Ignition
  • Ignition Lag
  • Resistance
  • Retro Rockets
  • Rocket Engines
  • Rockets
  • Specific Impulse

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Rocket Propulsion.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster