Download Propellant Grain Design Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle
This lecture presents a general overview of the current methods used at SNIA BPD in designing solid rocket motor propellant grains. The internal ballistics aspect in grain design is emphasized. An overview of what are the general requirements (Thrust vs time curve, volumetric constraints, etc.), the available technologies (propellant types, manufacturing processes, etc.) and the method for selecting the most appropriate one is presented. Then, the methods used for grain design are summarized. The lecture deals, in particular, with the methods for propellant formulation choice, design of internal geometry, propellant characterization (performances, internal ballistics, etc.). An analysis of the predictability factors (various mechanisms that can affect the thrust curve, i.e.: erosive burning, hump factor, etc.), and how they can be taken into account for contingency planning is reported. The experimental tests commonly used for grain design validation are summarized.