Method and apparatus for suppressing ignition overpressure in solid rocket propulsion systems

Abstract

The transient overpressure wave produced upon ignition of a solid rocket booster is suppressed by providing within the launch platform, a plurality of pipes and spray heads disposed around the periphery of the exhaust gas plume near its upper end and spraying water into the upper end of the plume during ignition. A large amount of water, preferably equivalent in mass of exhaust products being ejected, is sprayed into the plume in a direction generally perpendicular to plume flow.