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.


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    Title :

    Experimental and Analytical Study of Rolling-Velocity Amplification during the Thrusting Process for Two 10-Inch-Diameter Spherical Rocket Motors in Free Flight


    Contributors:
    C. W. Martz (author) / R. L. Swain (author)

    Publication date :

    1959


    Size :

    40 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English