Mandrel for shaping solid propellant rocket fuel into a motor casing Patent
Mandrel for shaping solid propellant rocket fuel into engine casing
Lewis, D. J.↗
SEARCH · Search NASA
Results for “Solid Rocket Engine”
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Advanced nuclear rocket technology
Solid core nuclear reactor engine variables, considering specific impulse, engine weight, operating life and engine thrust
Kirk, W. L.↗
Engineering design manual of parachute decelerator characteristics for space shuttle solid rocket booster recovery
The design criteria and characteristics of parachutes for recovery of the solid rocket boosters used with the space shuttle launch are presented. A computer program for analyzing the requirements of the parachute decelerators is described. The computer inputs for both the drogue and main parachute decelerators are; (1) parachute size, (2) deployment conditions, (3) inflation times, (4) reefing times, (5) mass properties, (6) spring properties, and (7) aerodynamic coefficients. Graphs of the parachute performance are included.
Mansfield, D. L.↗
STS spin-stabilized upper stage study (study 2.6). Volume 1: Executive summary
Spinning solid propellant upper stage rocket engines designed for geosynchronous satellite payloads are investigated. Factors considered include: impact of the spinning stages on the payloads; applicability to 1981-1991 NASA mission model; and cost effectiveness.
Source record↗
Space Shuttle
The design of the spacecraft is described. Focus is placed on the external tanks, the solid rocket boosters, the main engine, and the space shuttle orbiter. The logistics of the project were reviewed and included the management plan, the facilities involved in construction and testing of the space shuttle, and the benefits expected from the project.
Source record↗
Wind tunnel test IA300 analysis and results, volume 1
The analysis and interpretation of wind tunnel pressure data from the Space Shuttle wind tunnel test IA300 are presented. The primary objective of the test was to determine the effects of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) and the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) plumes on the integrated vehicle forebody pressure distributions, the elevon hinge moments, and wing loads. The results of this test will be combined with flight test results to form a new data base to be employed in the IVBC-3 airloads analysis. A secondary objective was to obtain solid plume data for correlation with the results of gaseous plume tests. Data from the power level portion was used in conjunction with flight base pressures to evaluate nominal power levels to be used during the investigation of changes in model attitude, eleveon deflection, and nozzle gimbal angle. The plume induced aerodynamic loads were developed for the Space Shuttle bases and forebody areas. A computer code was developed to integrate the pressure data. Using simplified geometrical models of the Space Shuttle elements and components, the pressure data were integrated to develop plume induced force and moments coefficients that can be combined with a power-off data base to develop a power-on data base.
Kelley, P. B.↗
Heat transfer analysis of fuel assemblies in a heterogeneous gas core nuclear rocket
Heat transfer problems of a heterogeneous gaseous core nuclear rocket were studied. The reactor core consists of 1.5-m long hexagonal fuel assemblies filled with pressurized uranium tetrafluoride (UF4) gas. The fuel gas temperature ranges from 3500 to 7000 K at a nominal operating condition of 40 atm. Each fuel assembly has seven coolant tubes, through which hydrogen propellant flows. The propellant temperature is not constrained by the fuel temperature but by the maximum temperature of the graphite coolant tube. For a core achieving a fission power density of 1000 MW/cu m, the propellant core exit temperature can be as high as 3200 K. The physical size of a 1250 MW gaseous core nuclear rocket is comparable with that of a NERVA-type solid core nuclear rocket. The engine can deliver a specific impulse of 1020 seconds and a thrust of 330 kN.
Watanabe, Yoichi↗
Flame trench analysis of NLS vehicles
The present study takes the initial steps of establishing a better flame trench design criteria for future National Launch System vehicles. A three-dimensional finite element computer model for predicting the transient thermal and structural behavior of the flame trench walls was developed using both I-DEAS and MSC/NASTRAN software packages. The results of JANNAF Standardized Plume flowfield calculations of sea-level exhaust plume of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME), Space Transportation Main Engine (STME), and Advanced Solid Rocket Motors (ASRM) were analyzed for different axial distances. The results of sample calculations, using the developed finite element model, are included. The further suggestions are also reported for enhancing the overall analysis of the flame trench model.
Zeytinoglu, Nuri↗
STS-91 Post Flight Presentation
Footage of the Crew of STS-91 Discovery Shuttle, Commander Charles J. Precourt, Pilot Dominic L. Pudwill Gorie, Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence, Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, Janet L. Kavandi, and Valery Victorovitch Ryumin, is shown. Scenes include the crew suit up, walk out to the transfer vehicle, and strap-in into the shuttle. Also presented are scenes of the start of the main engine, ignition of the solid rocket boosters, panoramic views of the Earth as the shuttle takes off, and the separation of the solid rocket boosters. The crew of Discovery opens the payload bay doors to the Mir International Space Station, completes SPACEHAB tunnel leak checks, greets crew in Mir Space Station, and transfers materials to Mir. Beautiful panoramic views of the Moon, and Mir above Cape Canaveral are seen. Scenes also include the crew of Discovery sharing meals, and exercising. The film ends with the reentry of the Discovery Space Shuttle into the Earth's atmosphere.
Source record↗
STS-96 Post Flight Presentation
The Crew of STS-96 Discovery Shuttle, Commander Kent V. Rominger, Pilot Rick D. Husband, Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa, Tamara E. Jernigan, Daniel T. Barry, Julie Payette, and Valery Ivanovich Tokarev, are shown narrating the mission highlights. Scenes include walk out to the transfer vehicle, and launch of the shuttle. Also presented are scenes of the start of the main engine, ignition of the solid rocket boosters, and the separation of the solid rocket boosters. Footage of Payette preparing the on-board camera equipment, while Barry and Jernigan perform routine checks of the equipment is seen. Also presented are various pictures of the shuttle in its orbit, the docking of the shuttle with the Mir International Space Station, and crewmembers during their space walk. Beautiful panoramic views of the Great Lake, Houston, and a combined view of Italy and Turkey are seen. The crew of Discovery is shown performing a juice ball experiment, tumbling, undocking, performing transfer operations, and deploying the STARSHINE educational satellite. The film ends with the reentry of the Discovery Space Shuttle into the Earth's atmosphere.
Source record↗
[STS-51C Launch and Landing]
This NASA KSC video release is comprised of live shots covering the day launch and landing of STS-51C/Discovery. The flight crew members were: Thomas K. Mattingly II, Commander; Loren J. Shriver, Pilot; Ellison S. Onizuka, Mission Specialist; James F. Buchli, Mission Specialist; and Gary E. Payton, Payload Specialist. The launch video is presented from several different vantage points and covers the countdown from the launch pad, main engine ignition, liftoff, and solid rocket booster separation. The landing footage contains final descent and approach, landing gear deployment, and touchdown, which was also captured from different locations including a helicopter. STS-51C carried the DoD 85-1 payload and was the first mission dedicated to the Department of Defense.
Source record↗
STS-26/Discovery Preparations for Launch
This NASA Kennedy Space Center two-part video release is comprised of footage covering STS-26 launch preparations from the arrival of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) at the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to the lift and mate of the external tanks. The STS-26 flight crew include: Frederick H. (Rick) Hauck, mission commander; Richard O. Covey, pilot; John M. (Mike) Lounge, mission specialist; David C. Hilmers, mission specialist; and George D. (Pinky) Nelson, mission specialist. The primary payload of STS-26 is the TDRS while the secondary payloads include the Physical Vapor Transport of Organic Solids (PVTOS); Protein Crystal Growth (PCG); Infrared Communications Flight Experiment (IRCFE); Aggregation of Red Blood Cells (ARC); Isoelectric Focusing Experiment (IFE); Mesoscale Lightning Experiment (MLE); Phase Partitioning Experiment (PPE); Earth-Limb Radiance Experiment (ELRAD); Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (ADSF) and two Shuttle Student Involvement Program (SSIP) experiments. Launch preparation footage includes flight crew arrival at KSC, rollout of Discovery to Pad B, OV-103 Discovery power-up, main engine unpacking and installation, solid rocket boosters' arrival prep and stacking, and aft skirt to aft segment mating.
Source record↗
STS-114: Discovery Propulsion System Modification Briefing
A briefing on the propulsion system modification of the STS-114 Discovery is presented. June Malone, NASA Public Affairs, introduces the panel who consists of: Sandy Coleman, External Tank Project Manager, Neil Otte, External Tank Chief Engineer, and Tom Williams, Solid Rocket Booster, Deputy Project Manager. Neil Otte presents charts on new requirements for foam debris reduction on the external tank. He also presents charts describing the Forward Bipod Redesign, LO2 Feedline Bellows Location, LH2 Intertank Flange Location, and In-Flight Imagery. Tom Williams presents charts describing Solid Rocket Booster Activities and Return to Flight efforts.
Source record↗
INSPACE CHEMICAL PROPULSION SYSTEMS AT NASA's MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER: HERITAGE AND CAPABILITIES
NASA s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is well known for its contributions to large ascent propulsion systems such as the Saturn V rocket and the Space Shuttle external tank, solid rocket boosters, and main engines. This paper highlights a lesser known but very rich side of MSFC-its heritage in the development of in-space chemical propulsion systems and its current capabilities for spacecraft propulsion system development and chemical propulsion research. The historical narrative describes the flight development activities associated with upper stage main propulsion systems such as the Saturn S-IVB as well as orbital maneuvering and reaction control systems such as the S-IVB auxiliary propulsion system, the Skylab thruster attitude control system, and many more recent activities such as Chandra, the Demonstration of Automated Rendezvous Technology (DART), X-37, the X-38 de-orbit propulsion system, the Interim Control Module, the US Propulsion Module, and multiple technology development activities. This paper also highlights MSFC s advanced chemical propulsion research capabilities, including an overview of the center s Propulsion Systems Department and ongoing activities. The authors highlight near-term and long-term technology challenges to which MSFC research and system development competencies are relevant. This paper concludes by assessing the value of the full range of aforementioned activities, strengths, and capabilities in light of NASA s exploration missions.
McRight, P. S.↗
Understanding Space Shuttle Structural Dynamics
The Space Shuttle consists of a orbiter, external tank, solid rocket boosters, payload, main engines, mobile launch platform and launch pad (Ground Ops). Structural Dynamics - All structures will vibrate at certain frequencies. The dynamics of the Space Shuttle must be understood in order to make sure it can survive, to control it, to make sure that it can perform its mission, and to keep it from aging prematurely. We understand the structural dynamics of the Space Shuttle by modelling, testing and flying it.
James, George↗
NASA's Space Launch System Takes Shape: Progress Toward Safe, Affordable, Exploration
Development of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) exploration-class heavy lift rocket has moved from the formulation phase to implementation in 3 years and will make significant progress this year toward its first launch, slated December 2017. SLS represents a safe, affordable, and evolutionary path to development of an unprecedented capability for future human and robotic exploration and use of space. For the United States current development is focused on a configuration with a 70 metric ton (t) payload to low Earth orbit (LEO), more than double any operational vehicle. This version will launch NASA's Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) on its first autonomous flight beyond the Moon and back, as well as the first crewed Orion flight. SLS is designed to evolve to a 130 t lift capability that can reduce mission costs, simplify payload design, reduce trip times, and lower overall risk. Each vehicle element completed its respective Preliminary Design Reviews, followed by the SLS Program. The Program also completed the Key Decision Point-C milestone to move from formulation to implementation in 2014. NASA hasthorized the program to proceed to Critical Design Review, scheduled for 2015. Accomplihments to date include: manufacture of core stage test hardware, as well as preparations for testing the world's most powerful solid rocket boosters and main engines that flew 135 successful Space Shuttle missions. The Program's success to date is due to prudent use of existing technology, infrastructure, and workforce; streamlined management approach; and judicious use of new technologies. This paper will discuss SLS Program successes over the past year and examine milestones and challenges ahead. The SLS Program and its elements are managed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).
Askins, Bruce R.↗
Mean Flow Augmented Acoustics in Rocket Systems
Combustion instability in solid rocket motors and liquid engines has long been a subject of concern. Many rockets display violent fluctuations in pressure, velocity, and temperature originating from the complex interactions between the combustion process and gas dynamics. Recent advances in energy based modeling of combustion instabilities require accurate determination of acoustic frequencies and mode shapes. Of particular interest is the acoustic mean flow interactions within the converging section of a rocket nozzle, where gradients of pressure, density, and velocity become large. The expulsion of unsteady energy through the nozzle of a rocket is identified as the predominate source of acoustic damping for most rocket systems. Recently, an approach to address nozzle damping with mean flow effects was implemented by French [1]. This new approach extends the work originated by Sigman and Zinn [2] by solving the acoustic velocity potential equation (AVPE) formulated by perturbing the Euler equations [3]. The present study aims to implement the French model within the COMSOL Multiphysiscs framework and analyzes one of the author's presented test cases.
Fischbach, Sean↗
Mean Flow Augmented Acoustics in Rocket Systems
Combustion instability in solid rocket motors and liquid engines is a complication that continues to plague designers and engineers. Many rocket systems experience violent fluctuations in pressure, velocity, and temperature originating from the complex interactions between the combustion process and gas dynamics. During sever cases of combustion instability fluctuation amplitudes can reach values equal to or greater than the average chamber pressure. Large amplitude oscillations lead to damaged injectors, loss of rocket performance, damaged payloads, and in some cases breach of case/loss of mission. Historic difficulties in modeling and predicting combustion instability has reduced most rocket systems experiencing instability into a costly fix through testing paradigm or to scrap the system entirely.
Fischbach, Sean R.↗