Gas Generator with Pusher Plate for Projectile Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projectile launch systems face challenges in minimizing the size and cost of the overall system due to the need for reinforcing components to withstand gas pressure and heat from the launching propellant, which increases weight and complexity, and requires excessive space and complex initiation systems for achieving desired acceleration and velocity.
Innovation Solution
A gas generator with a housing having a first and second plenum, where the propellant is positioned within the first plenum and ignited by an initiator, producing gases that flow through apertures to create propulsive jets, providing an initial velocity to the projectile while minimizing component damage and system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If launching propellant is used to propel the projectile, then initial velocity is provided, but gas pressure and heat damage components requiring reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
A pusher plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the launching propellant and the projectile. The propellant pushes the pusher plate, which in turn pushes the projectile, preventing direct contact between the hot gases and the projectile components. This mediator protects the projectile from thermal and pressure damage while still achieving the required initial velocity.
Solution Approach 2:
The launching system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the propellant chamber, the pusher plate interface zone, and the projectile zone. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the propellant for generating thrust, the pusher plate for force transmission, and the projectile for mission performance - while isolating them from harmful interactions.
2Reliability
If components are reinforced to withstand gas pressure and heat, then component durability is improved, but system weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher plate serves as a sacrificial intermediary that absorbs the thermal and pressure extremes, allowing the projectile and launch tube to be constructed from lighter, less robust materials. The pusher plate can be replaced after each use, while the more expensive projectile can be reused without heavy reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher plate is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that is replaced after each launch. This allows the system to withstand extreme conditions without permanently damaging expensive, reusable components like the projectile and launch tube, thereby reducing overall system weight and cost.
3Speed
If multiple initiators and gas generants are used to achieve desired acceleration, then propulsion performance is improved, but space requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple initiators and gas generants are merged into a single integrated propellant charge within the launch tube. This consolidation achieves the desired acceleration performance through one coordinated combustion event rather than multiple separate initiation systems, thereby reducing spatial requirements and simplifying the initiation system while maintaining propulsion performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The gas generator design effectively imparts an initial velocity to projectiles with reduced system weight, cost, and complexity by controlling gas flow and pressure, minimizing damage to launch tube components and enabling efficient propulsion.
Implementation Method 1
a propellant igniter is activated to ignite the propellant. Expanding gases generated by the burning propellant push the plate and the projectile out through the open end of the launch tube
Data Source
AI summary
Gas generators may be utilized for launching a projectile. Launch tubes may include gas generators. Methods of launching a projectile may include utilizing gas generators to impart an initial velocity to a projectile.