Low-Cost Solid Rocket Motor Development
- Paper number
IAC-14,C4,P,52,x24179
- Author
Mr. Adam Okninski, Institute of Aviation, Poland
- Coauthor
Mr. Bartosz Bartkowiak, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland
- Coauthor
Mr. Pawel Nowakowski, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland
- Coauthor
Ms. Joanna Zaborowska, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland
- Coauthor
Mr. Damian Kaniewski, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland
- Coauthor
Mr. Blazej Marciniak, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland
- Coauthor
Mr. Jan Matyszewski, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland
- Coauthor
Dr. Jan Kindracki, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland
- Coauthor
Prof. Piotr Wolanski, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
- Year
2014
- Abstract
This paper gives an overview of the development of solid rocket motors of the Polish Small Sounding Rocket Program. The team efforts enabled manufacturing of high performance rocket motors using low-cost, mainly off-the–shelf, technologies. This paper presents the design and optimization methodologies. A description of software developed during the project is contained. Structural and interior ballistics optimization techniques are described. Optimization focused on adapting the rocket thrust curve to specific mission requirements is also discussed. Technical equipment and background is presented. This paper introduces a technology of producing low-cost composite structure solid propellant rocket motors without expensive filament winding machinery. All of the main parts of the motors are presented. Performance simulations and firing results of sub-scale rocket motors of thrusts between 500 and 5000 Newtons are given. Flight operation data is also presented and analyzed. Finally, a detailed comparison of similar size rocket motors is shown, proving an efficient and economic design. The ultimate aim is to build larger rocket motors enabling intensive suborbital experimentation and preparing the developed design for launcher operation. This work is based on results of the joint project of the Space Technology Department of the Institute of Aviation and the Division of Aircraft Engines of the Institute of Heat Engineering of Warsaw University of Technology (WUT) with a key role played by members of the Students’ Rocketry Group of the WUT Students’ Space Association.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)