Performance test tester for soft isolation device of pulse solid engine
By designing a performance testing device for a pulse solid rocket motor with a non-circular cylindrical body and an EPDM rubber insulation layer, the problems of flow field environment simulation and performance testing were solved, component-level verification was achieved, and costs and risks were reduced.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520728234.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-04-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies cannot simulate the flow field environment when a soft isolation device is opened, cannot effectively test the performance of the soft isolation device, and have a long testing and verification cycle and high cost for the whole machine.
Design a performance testing device for a pulse solid rocket motor soft isolation device. Use an irregularly shaped cylinder to simulate the flow field shape, use EPDM rubber insulation layer to reduce heat absorption, and form a closed area through flange connection to verify the component-level performance.
This enabled performance testing of the soft isolation device before the overall system test, reducing development costs and time, and lowering development risks.
Smart Images

Figure CN223975187U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of solid rocket engine technology, specifically to a performance testing device for a pulse solid rocket engine soft isolation device. Background Technology
[0002] The isolation device divides the combustion chamber of a pulse solid rocket motor into multiple independent units along the axial or radial direction. These units operate sequentially without interference, enabling the solid rocket motor to perform multiple operations. The isolation device must withstand the pressure and ablation of the combustion gases on one side of the combustion chamber (positive pressure bearing), while being able to be broken when the combustion chamber unit on the other side assembles, allowing the combustion gases to pass through (reverse opening). The positive pressure bearing and reverse opening pressure of the isolation device are key parameters for its ability to complete its operational tasks. During the development of the isolation device, multiple reverse opening pressure tests are required to determine the appropriate partition thickness and partition weakening structure to ensure that the isolation device can reliably open (be destroyed) under certain pressure.
[0003] Isolation devices can be divided into hard isolation devices and soft isolation devices. Hard isolation devices generally adopt structures such as metal burst type, plug type, and ceramic burst disc, completely dividing the combustion chamber into independent spaces. Soft isolation devices are made of rubber material and wrap around the surface of the propellant grain, with a certain gap. During the operation of the first pulse propellant grain, the soft isolation device is in close contact with the second pulse propellant grain. When the second pulse ignites, the ignition gas propagates through the gap between the soft isolation device and the propellant grain. Under the action of gas pressure, the isolation device is damaged at the weakened structure. Existing patent publication number CN 221445692 U proposes a performance testing device for pulse engine isolation devices, which includes a front top cover, a rear top cover, a first cylinder, a second cylinder, an isolation device, and a fixed base. Its isolation device has cylindrical cylinders on both sides, which cannot simulate the flow field environment when the soft isolation device is open. The existing isolation device performance testing device has a cylindrical section on the open side of the isolation device, which cannot test the performance of the soft isolation device.
[0004] Currently, in the development of pulse engines, the performance verification of isolation devices is mostly carried out along with the engine, using whole-engine testing methods, which is time-consuming and costly. Summary of the Invention
[0005] Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model proposes a performance testing device for a pulse solid rocket motor soft isolation device to solve the problems that existing testing devices cannot simulate the flow field environment when the soft isolation device is opened and cannot test the performance of the soft isolation device. This utility model proposes to use an irregularly shaped cylinder on the open side of the soft isolation device to simulate the flow field shape used by the two-pulse ignition device, which is closer to the actual use of the soft isolation device.
[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one of the objectives of this utility model is to provide a performance testing apparatus for a pulse solid rocket motor soft isolation device. The apparatus consists of a front cover 1, a housing 2, an isolation device mounting base 3, a soft isolation device 4, and a rear cover 5. The front cover 1 is connected to the housing 2 by a bolt assembly; the housing 2 is fixedly connected to the soft isolation device 4 by a flange; the soft isolation device 4 is fixed on the isolation device mounting base 3; and the isolation device mounting base 3 is connected to the rear cover 5 by a flange.
[0007] Furthermore, the inner surface of the housing 2 is designed according to the shape of a two-pulse propellant column to simulate the structure of the isolation device inside the engine, thereby reducing the absorption of heat from the combustion gas by the metal housing.
[0008] Furthermore, an EPDM rubber insulation layer is bonded to the inner wall of the housing 2.
[0009] Furthermore, on the open side, the front cover 1 is provided with an ignition hole and a pressure testing hole, providing installation space for the ignition device to provide the gas required for the isolation device opening test.
[0010] Furthermore, the rear cover 5 is provided with a hole for venting gas.
[0011] Furthermore, O-rings are installed at each connection point to ensure that both sides of the isolation device are airtight areas.
[0012] Based on the same concept, this utility model also proposes a performance testing method for a soft isolation device of a pulse solid rocket motor, the specific steps of which are as follows:
[0013] S1: Perform the final assembly of the test device. During the test, the pressure of the gas generated by the combustion of the ignition charge and ignition device is applied to the soft isolation device to simulate the load on the soft isolation device during the operation of the solid rocket engine.
[0014] S2: Conduct a positive pressure test on the soft isolation device. Calculate the amount of ignition charge required under a certain pressure based on the free volume of the cavity inside the tester. The ignition charge provides sufficient gas pressure for the positive pressure test of the soft isolation device. Place the ignition charge in the cavity at the large end of the tester for ignition. During the test, monitor the pressure changes on both sides of the soft isolation device through the pressure measuring holes on the front and rear end covers.
[0015] S3: After conducting the positive pressure test, inspect the soft isolation device. After the positive pressure test, remove the rear end cover of the tester and check whether there are any damages or perforations on the surface of the soft isolation device.
[0016] S4: Conduct a reverse opening test of the soft isolation device, reassemble the rear end cover of the tester, and install an ignition device on the front end cover for the reverse opening test of the soft isolation device. During the test, monitor the pressure change of the space on both sides of the soft isolation device through the pressure measuring holes on the front and rear end covers.
[0017] S5: After conducting the reverse opening test of the soft isolation device, check whether it opens along the prefabricated weakening groove and the magnitude of the opening pressure.
[0018] Further, S3 specifically involves: injecting dry air into the open side of the soft isolation device through the pressure measuring hole on the front cover of the tester, with a pressure not exceeding 0.15 MPa, maintaining the pressure for 1 minute, and observing whether there is a significant pressure drop (pressure below 0.12 MPa). If a significant pressure drop occurs, it indicates that the soft isolation device is damaged and the positive pressure test has failed; otherwise, continue the test.
[0019] The present invention provides at least one or more of the following technical effects through one or more of the above-described technical solutions: The performance testing apparatus of this invention connects the isolation device to the housing via a flange, forming two enclosed areas, one facing forward and one facing backward. By using an ignition charge or ignition device, a load environment is provided for the isolation device during the operation of a simulated gas pulse engine. This allows for performance data testing of the forward pressure resistance and reverse opening pressure of the soft isolation device. By employing this testing apparatus for component-level performance verification, and by verifying the performance of the isolation device before the overall machine test, development costs can be reduced, the development cycle shortened, and development risks lowered. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 : Schematic diagram of the isolation device tester of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 2 : A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the isolation device test apparatus of this utility model;
[0022] Wherein: 1-front end cover, 2-shell 1, 3-isolation device mounting base, 4-soft isolation device, 5-rear end cover. Detailed Implementation Plan
[0023] The test apparatus described in this paper mainly consists of a housing, an isolation device mounting base, a front top cover, a rear top cover, bolts, nuts, and several plugs. The housings are connected by flanges, and the top cover is bolted to the housing. On the open side, the front top cover is designed with an ignition hole and a pressure testing hole, and provides installation space for the ignition device to supply the combustion gas required for the isolation device opening test. The front top cover is bolted to the housing. The inner surface of the housing is designed according to the shape of a two-pulse propellant column to simulate the structure of the isolation device inside an engine. To reduce the absorption of heat from the combustion gas by the metal housing, a EPDM rubber insulation layer is also attached to the inner wall of the housing. The housing is fixedly connected to the isolation device via flanges. The isolation device is fixed to the mounting base. The mounting base is connected to the rear top cover via flanges. The rear top cover has holes for venting gas. O-rings are provided at all connection points to ensure that both sides of the isolation device are airtight areas.
[0024] This testing apparatus can be used for positive pressure and reverse opening pressure tests on soft isolation devices, and it is reusable. Compared with existing technologies, the apparatus structure has been optimized to meet the testing requirements of soft isolation devices.
[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all of the embodiments obtained. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0026] The test apparatus described in this paper mainly consists of a housing, an isolation device mounting base, a front top cover, a rear top cover, and several plugs. The housings are connected by flanges, and the top cover is bolted to the housing. On the open side, the front top cover is designed with an ignition hole and a pressure testing hole, and provides installation space for the ignition device to supply the combustion gas required for the isolation device opening test. The front top cover is bolted to the housing. The inner surface of the housing is designed according to the shape of a two-pulse propellant column to simulate the structure of the isolation device inside an engine. To reduce the absorption of heat from the combustion gas by the metal housing, a EPDM rubber insulation layer is also attached to the inner wall of the housing. The housing is fixedly connected to the isolation device via flanges. The isolation device is fixed to the isolation device mounting base. The isolation device mounting base is connected to the rear top cover via flanges. The rear top cover has holes for venting gas. O-rings are provided at all connection points to ensure that both sides of the isolation device are airtight areas.
[0027] The testing process for this instrument is as follows:
[0028] The first step is to assemble the test device. During the test, the pressure of the gas generated by the combustion of the ignition charge and ignition device is applied to the soft isolation device to simulate the load it experiences during the operation of the solid rocket motor.
[0029] The second step is to conduct a forward pressure test on the soft isolation device. Based on the free volume of the internal cavity of the test apparatus, the required amount of ignition propellant is calculated for a given pressure. The ignition propellant charge provides sufficient gas pressure for the forward pressure test of the soft isolation device. The ignition propellant charge is placed in the large-end cavity of the test apparatus and ignited. During the test, the pressure changes on both sides of the soft isolation device are monitored through the pressure measuring holes on the front and rear end covers.
[0030] The third step is to inspect the soft isolation device after the positive pressure test. After the positive pressure test, remove the rear end cover of the tester and check the surface of the soft isolation device for defects such as damage or perforation. Inflate the soft isolation device with dry air through the pressure testing hole on the front end cover, ensuring the pressure does not exceed 0.15 MPa. Hold the pressure for 1 minute and observe for a significant pressure drop (pressure below 0.12 MPa). If a significant pressure drop occurs, it indicates damage to the soft isolation device, and the positive pressure test has failed. Otherwise, continue the test.
[0031] The fourth step is to conduct a reverse opening test of the soft isolation device. Reassemble the rear end cover of the test apparatus. Install an ignition device on the front end cover for the reverse opening test of the soft isolation device. During the test, monitor the pressure changes in the space on both sides of the soft isolation device through the pressure measuring holes on the front and rear end covers.
[0032] The fifth step is to conduct a reverse opening test of the soft isolation device and then inspect it. After the test, disassemble the test apparatus and observe the reverse opening of the soft isolation device, whether it opens along the pre-fabricated weakening groove, and the magnitude of the opening pressure. Clean the test apparatus and repeat it for the next soft isolation device test.
[0033] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the embodiments of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of this utility model. Therefore, if these modifications and variations to the embodiments of this utility model fall within the scope of the claims of this utility model and their equivalents, then this utility model also intends to include these modifications and variations.
[0034] This invention relates to a performance testing apparatus for a soft isolation device in a pulse solid rocket motor. This technology has been applied in the development of the project to test the forward pressure-bearing and reverse opening performance of the soft isolation device. The isolation device is a key component of the pulse engine, significantly impacting its normal operation. Existing technologies mostly employ whole-engine testing for isolation device performance testing. Using this testing apparatus for component-level performance verification, validating the isolation device's performance before whole-engine testing, can reduce development costs, shorten the development cycle, and mitigate development risks.
Claims
1. A performance test apparatus for a pulse solid propellant engine soft isolator, characterized by: The tester is composed of a front end cover (1), a shell (2), an isolation device fixing seat (3), a soft isolation device (4) and a rear end cover (5), the front end cover (1) is connected with the shell (2) through a bolt assembly; the shell (2) is fixedly connected with the soft isolation device (4) through a flange; the soft isolation device (4) is fixed on the isolation device fixing seat (3); the isolation device fixing seat (3) is connected with the rear end cover (5) through a flange.
2. The performance test apparatus for pulse solid propellant engine soft isolator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner profile of the shell (2) is designed according to the shape of a two-pulse propellant column, so as to simulate the structural form of the isolation device in the engine and reduce the absorption of the heat of the gas by the metal shell.
3. The performance test apparatus for pulse solid propellant engine soft isolator according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that: The inner wall of the shell (2) is pasted with a three-ethylene propylene rubber heat insulation layer.
4. The performance test apparatus for pulse solid propellant engine soft isolator according to claim 1, characterized in that: On the opening side, the front end cover (1) is provided with an ignition hole and a pressure measuring hole, and an installation space for an ignition device is provided for providing the gas required by the opening test of the isolation device.
5. The performance test apparatus for pulse solid propellant engine soft isolator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear end cover (5) is provided with a hole for discharging gas.
6. The performance test apparatus for pulse solid propellant engine soft isolator according to claim 1, characterized in that: O-shaped sealing rings are arranged at each connecting position, so as to ensure that both sides of the isolation device are air-tight areas.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Performance test tester for pulse engine isolation device
CN221445692U