CASTABLE CARBON FOR NOZZLE APPLICATIONS.
Abstract
The advantages are demonstrated of a unique castable carbon material for rocket nozzle components. The castable carbon material consisted primarily of a dense coke and an acid-catalyzed furfuryl alcohol binder. A brief materials study was followed by the design, fabrication, motor test, and post-test analysis of four subscale nozzles (2.7-inch throat diameter) and one full-scale nozzle (3.5-inch throat diameter). The feasibility of the castable carbon was clearly indicated. The performance of the better cast carbon components, including exit cone, throat insert, entrance, and throat insulation sections, was equal to or better than that observed for the conventional erosion-resistant reinforced plastics. A number of other castable carbon components suffered local damage and gave poorer performance, but, with the optimization studies that are recommended, the outlook for successful application of this material for low-cost nozzles is excellent. The potential cost advantage on raw materials is a reduction of over two orders of magnitude; fabrication in open molds without pressure is possible.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0483279
Entities
People
- James D. Batchelor
Organizations
- ARCO