Ryan Sauer Space Propulsion 11/19/15
Propulsion and energy conversion
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An electrical signal is sent to the igniter which creates hot gases. The hot gases ignite the main propellant grain. The propellant contains both fuel and oxidizer so solid rockets can operate in the vaccuum of space. Thrust is developed as the high thermal energy of the combustion gases is converted to kinetic energy in the exhaust. The simplicity of solid rockets make them an attractive choice for many rocket propulsion applications. Since there are not many structural components, it is efficient in that most of its weight is usable propellant. Solid Rockets can be ignited in a moments notice and do not require tanking of liquids prior to operation. On the downside, their efficiency is lower than liquid systems, and they cannot be readily throttled. Once lit the motor will burn to extinction unless special provisions are included to terminate thrust during the middle of a firing.
components
MOTOR-solid rocket motors are simple devices with very few moving parts. An electrical signal is sent to the igniter which creates hot gases which ignite the main propellant grain.
CASING-Casing may be constructed from a range of materials like cardboard, aluminum, or steel depending on the purpose or how big the rocket is
NOZZLES-solid propellant rocket motors can be classified into five categories 1. Fixed Nozzle 2. Movable Nozzle 3. Submerged Nozzles 4. Extendible Nozzle 5. Blast-Tube-Mounted Nozzle
IGNITER-The ignition process of a solid rocket motor occurs in a very short time interval of about 200 milliseconds
FUEL GRAIN-Solid fuel grains are usually molded from a thermoset elastomer, fuel, oxidizer and catalyst
CASING-Casing may be constructed from a range of materials like cardboard, aluminum, or steel depending on the purpose or how big the rocket is
NOZZLES-solid propellant rocket motors can be classified into five categories 1. Fixed Nozzle 2. Movable Nozzle 3. Submerged Nozzles 4. Extendible Nozzle 5. Blast-Tube-Mounted Nozzle
IGNITER-The ignition process of a solid rocket motor occurs in a very short time interval of about 200 milliseconds
FUEL GRAIN-Solid fuel grains are usually molded from a thermoset elastomer, fuel, oxidizer and catalyst
rocket uses
Once ignited solid propellants burn continuously which limits the number of applications. Examples of rockets using solid propellants include the first stage of military missiles, commercial rockets and the first stage boosters that are attached to both sides of the liquid-fuel tank on the space shuttle.
Conclusion
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, so when the rocket launches and fuel burns the reaction is the rocket launching into the air.
The life span of the propulsion in a solid fuel rocket depends on how much fuel there is. In a small model rocket engine or in a tiny bottle rocket the burn might last a second or less. In a Space Shuttle containing over a million pounds of fuel the burn lasts about two minutes.
Sources
https://engineering.purdue.edu/~propulsi/propulsion/rockets/solids.html
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-kind-of-fuel-do-rock/
http://www.esa.int/Education/Solid_and_liquid_fuel_rockets
https://engineering.purdue.edu/~propulsi/propulsion/rockets/solids.html
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-kind-of-fuel-do-rock/
http://www.esa.int/Education/Solid_and_liquid_fuel_rockets