Solid Rocket Technology

Propellants contain considerable chemical energy that can be used in rocket propulsion. Bringing together information on both the theoretical and practical aspects of solid rocket propellants for the first time, this book will find a unique place on the readers' shelf providing the overall picture of solid rocket propulsion technology. Aimed at students, engineers and researchers in the area, the authors have applied their wealth of knowledge regarding formulation, processing and evaluation to provide an up to date and clear text on the subject.

This book, a translation of the French title Technologie des Propergols Solides, offers otherwise unavailable information on the subject of solid propellants and their use in rocket propulsion. The fundamentals of rocket propulsion are developed in chapter one and detailed descriptions of concepts are covered in the following chapters. Specific design methods and the theoretical physics underlying them are presented, and finally the industrial production of the propellant itself is explained. The material used in the book has been collected from different countries, as the development of this field has occurred separately due to the classified nature of the subject. Thus the reader not only has an overall picture of solid rocket propulsion technology but a comprehensive view of its different developmental permutations worldwide.

The book is a treatise on solid propellants in nine chapters, covering the history, chemistry, energetics, processing and characterization aspects of composite solid propellants, internal ballistics, advanced solid propellants, safety, quality and reliability and homogenous or double base propellants. The book also traces the evolution of solid propellant technology in ISRO for launch vehicles and sounding rockets. There is a detailed table of contents, expanded index, glossary, exhaustive references and questions in each chapter. It can be used as a textbook for science and engineering students, as a reference book for researchers and as a companion to scientists and engineers working in the research, development and production areas of solid propellants.

Solid Propellant Rocket Research

The book follows a unified approach to present the basic principles of rocket propulsion in concise and lucid form. This textbook comprises of ten chapters ranging from brief introduction and elements of rocket propulsion, aerothermodynamics to solid, liquid and hybrid propellant rocket engines with chapter on electrical propulsion. Worked out examples are also provided at the end of chapter for understanding uncertainty analysis. This book is designed and developed as an introductory text on the fundamental aspects of rocket propulsion for both undergraduate and graduate students. It is also aimed towards practicing engineers in the field of space engineering. This comprehensive guide also provides adequate problems for audience to understand intricate aspects of rocket propulsion enabling them to design and develop rocket engines for peaceful purposes.

Rocket Propulsion has come of age. Although its potentialities and capabilities in many areas have been recognized for centuries, it is only in recent years that scientists have had the materials and the manufacturing techniques at their command so they could control and direct the tremendous forces available. Space exploration and manned flights by astronauts have brought the science of rocketry to the attention of the general public. It has also stimulated the interest of students at all levels of advancement in the technical details of space flight. Rocket Propellant Technologies is written for serious students of astronautics. This volume reviews briefly the history of rocketry and the fundamental principles connected with rocket propulsion. Types of propellants, the chemical reactions involved, and the techniques used in manufacturing are explained. The merits of solid and liquid fuels are enumerated. Exotic propellants of the future are discussed, with reasons why their development is essential. Finally, the safety aspects of manufacturing and testing rocket propellants are given in detail. The Amateur Rocket Association under whose guidance this series has been prepared, serves as a focal point for many related activities, bringing new ideas to the attention of its members and offering suggestions for future lines of research.

1. Altitude Starting Tests of a 1000-Pound-Thrust Solid-Propellant Rocket Document ID: 20050019243 Author: Sloop, John L.; Rollbuhler, R. James; Krawczonek, Eugene M. Abstract: Four solid-propellant rocket engines of nominal 1000-pound-thrust were tested for starting hide Publication Year: 1957 Document Type: Technical Report Report/Patent Number: NACA-RM-E57G29 Date Acquired: Jan 11, 2005 2. Analytical and experimental studies of spherical solid-propellant rocket motors Document ID: 19930089785 Author: Thibodaux, Joseph G , Jr; Swain, Robert L; Wright, George Abstract: No Abstract Available Publication Year: 1957 Report/Patent Number: NACA-RM-L57G12a Date Acquired: Sep 01, 1996 3. Design and evaluation of a turbojet-exhaust simulator with a solid-propellant rocket motor for free-flight research Document ID: 19930089701 Author: Leiss, Abraham Abstract: No Abstract Available Publication Year: 1957 Report/Patent Number: NACA-RM-L57E10a Date Acquired: Sep 01, 1996 4. Flight Performance of a 2.8 KS 8100 Cajun Solid-propellant Rocket Motor Document ID: 19930089581 Author: Lee, Dorothy B Abstract: No Abstract Available Publication Year: 1957 Report/Patent Number: NACA-RM-L56K01 Date Acquired: Sep 01, 1996 5. Flight Investigation of the Performance of a Two-stage Solid-propellant Nike-deacon (DAN) Meteorological Sounding Rocket Document ID: 19930084525 Author: Heitkotter, Robert H Abstract: A flight investigation of two Nike-Deacon (DAN) two-stage solid-propellant rocket vehicles indicated hide Publication Year: 1956 Report/Patent Number: NACA-TN-3739 Date Acquired: Sep 01, 1996 6. The Design of a Miniature Solid-propellant Rocket Document ID: 19930084361 Author: Heitkotter, Robert H Abstract: No Abstract Available Publication Year: 1956 Report/Patent Number: NACA-TN-3620 Date Acquired: Sep 01, 1996 7. Design and Evaluation of a Turbojet Exhaust Simulator, Utilizing a Solid-Propellant Rocket Motor, for use in Free-Flight Aerodynamic Research Models Document ID: 20050019463 Author: deMoraes, Carlos A.; Hagginbothom, William K., Jr.; Falanga, Ralph A. Abstract: A method has been developed for modifying a rocket motor so that its exhaust characteristics hide Publication Year: 1954 Document Type: Technical Report Report/Patent Number: NACA-RM-L54I15 Date Acquired: Jan 14, 2005 8. Some measurements of noise from three solid-fuel rocket engines Document ID: 19930084074 Author: Lassiter, Leslie W; Heikotter, Robert H Abstract: No Abstract Available Publication Year: 1954 Report/Patent Number: NACA-TN-3316 Date Acquired: Sep 01, 1996 9. Investigation of Vanes Immersed in the Jet of a Solid-fuel Rocket Motor Document ID: 19930087161 Author: Giladett, Leo V; Wineman, Andrew R Abstract: No Abstract Available Publication Year: 1952 Report/Patent Number: NACA-RM-L52F12 Date Acquired: Sep 01, 1996 10. An experimental investigation of the effect of high-pressure tailpipe length on the performance of solid-propellant motors for rocket-powered aircraft Document ID: 19930087092 Author: Rodriguez, Charles J Abstract: No Abstract Available Publication Year: 1952 Report/Patent Number: NACA-RM-L52E12a Date Acquired: Sep 01, 1996