Composite Material Application to Liquid Rocket Engines.
Abstract
The major objectives of this study were to (1) determine the extent to which composite materials can be beneficially used in liquid rocket engines, (2) identify additional technology requirements, and (3) determine those areas which have the greatest potential for return. The assessment was based primarily on weight savings but also considered material and fabrication costs, performance, life, and maintainability factors. Two baseline designs, representative of earth-to-orbit and orbit-to-orbit engine systems, were selected for analysis. All components of these baseline designs were evaluated to determine which could benefit most from fabrication with composites. Weight savings from 50 to 80t were predicted for selected components with the substitution of reinforced plastic composite (RPC) materials for metal, and overall engine weight savings from 25 to 30% were found possible. Various technology needs were identified before RPC material could be used in rocket engine applications, and follow-on activities addressing these needs were proposed. Metallic or ceramic composites offered advantages in high-temperature or performance-driven applications but otherwise were not competitive to RPC on the basis of weight or cost. (MM)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA303679
Entities
People
- D. C. Judd
Organizations
- Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings