Two 10-inch-diameter spherical rocket motors have been flight tested at the NASA Wallops Station. These tests were conducted to measure 'spin-up' or amplification of the spinning velocity of the motor during the thrusting process due to internal swirling of the exhaust gases. Model 1, a heavy-wall motor, experienced an increase in spin rate during thrusting of about 10 percent, whereas model 2, a flight-type motor with a lightweight motor case, experienced an increase of about 19 percent. The propellant weight and geometry were the same for both motors. A simple relationship for 'spin-up' which satisfies these measured results is reported herein. Both models were spin stabilized throughout their flights. A theoretical method of predicting spin-up was derived and used to extend the measured 10-inch-motor results to spherical rocket motors of other sizes having a similar propellant geometry. This method is presented and its predictions are shown to compare favorably with the measured flight results.
Experimental and Analytical Study of Rolling-Velocity Amplification during the Thrusting Process for Two 10-Inch-Diameter Spherical Rocket Motors in Free Flight
1959
40 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Space Technology , Rocket engines , Models , Spherical shells , Rocket engine design , Engine tests , Propulsion system configurations , Spin dynamics , Ignition , Momentum transfer , Propulsive efficiency , Angular velocity , Rotating fluids , Exhaust gases , Propellants , Swirling , Propulsion system performance
Flight performance of spin-stabilized 20-inch-diameter solid-propellant spherical rocket motor
Engineering Index Backfile | 1960
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