The Interaction of the Efflux of Solid Propellants with Nozzle Materials

✍ Scribed by K. Klager

• Book ID: 105355038
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1977
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 861 KB
• Volume: 2
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0721-3115
• DOI: 10.1002/prep.19770020304

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Progress in obtaining solid composite propellants with highest specific impulse caused severe problems with materials such as graphite used in the construction of insulation and nozzles in solid rockets. Refractory metals provide relief but at the expense of the desired and gained performance increase in propellants. On the basis of data obtained by experimental firings and thermodynamic analysis it was demonstrated that the primary cause of graphite removal in solid rocket motor nozzles is dependent on pressure and on chemical attack by certain species of the exhaust gas. The most damaging gases are those which react with carbon to form carbon monoxide. The chamber flame temperature does not directly affect graphite removal. Analysis of data indicates a good correlation of propellant composition and oxygen balance of the initial propellant from which the exhaust gases are generated. Application of these findings make it possible to select propellant formulations with minimum corrosive action on graphite.