Non-axisymmetric Booster Nesting for Projectile Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ballistic missiles face a challenge in balancing the external profile and total weight due to the use of multiple motor boosters, which increases the weight of the projectile and requires additional propellant, necessitating a more efficient propulsion system.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion stage with non-axisymmetric boosters arranged around a central axisymmetric booster, along with a binding material and deployable airbags, allows for a reduced external profile and increased propellant volume, enabling efficient egress and maneuverability while minimizing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motor boosters are used in the propulsion stage, then additional control of egress and movement is enabled, but the external profile is enlarged and the weight of the projectile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-axisymmetric boosters are nested around the central axisymmetric booster, with each booster containing propellant and combustion chamber structures within its cylindrical shell. This nesting arrangement maximizes the use of internal space while maintaining a compact external profile, allowing multiple boosters to provide enhanced control capability without proportionally increasing the overall projectile weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion system is segmented into multiple independent boosters (one axisymmetric central booster and multiple non-axisymmetric peripheral boosters), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation enables selective ignition and control of individual boosters to optimize egress and movement control while managing overall system weight through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motor boosters are used in the propulsion stage, then additional control of egress and movement is enabled, but additional propellant is required and the weight of the projectile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of non-axisymmetric boosters around the central booster optimizes propellant volume utilization. The non-axisymmetric shape of peripheral boosters allows them to fit into the annular space around the central booster, minimizing wasted space and maximizing the total propellant capacity within the available volume, thereby reducing the overall weight penalty for having multiple control-capable boosters.
3Reliability
If a thick and heavy launch canister is used to provide compensation for over-pressurization and restrain fire loads, then safety during launch is improved, but the weight of the round increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into multiple separate booster units with individual combustion chambers and propellant loads. This segmentation distributes the fire load and over-pressure risks across multiple smaller, isolated compartments rather than one large concentrated source, allowing the launch canister to use thinner, lighter walls while maintaining equivalent or superior safety performance through distributed hazard containment.
Data Source
AI summary
A projectile for firing from a launcher includes a propulsion stage having non-axisymmetric boosters arranged about a longitudinal axis of the propulsion stage. The propulsion stage may further include a central booster about which the non-axisymmetric boosters are arranged.