Notched Annular Solid Fuel for High Mass Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid fuel motor designs, such as star grains, concentric grains, and single perforation grains, face limitations in performance and characteristics, particularly in achieving high mass flow rates without flow choking.
Innovation Solution
An annular solid fuel with radial notches dividing it into segments, providing a large unobstructed flow area and increased surface area for combustion, is used within a cylindrical casing, allowing for high mass flow rates and rapid combustion without structural integrity loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional grain designs (star grains, concentric grains, single perforation grains) are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but mass flow rate is limited and flow choking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The annular fuel is divided into multiple notched segments or teeth around the central axis. This segmentation increases the combustion surface area without requiring additional structural supports, enabling high mass flow rates while preventing flow choking through the unobstructed central flow area.
2Productivity
If fuel is divided into segments with notches, then combustion surface area increases, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel is segmented into notched sections that increase combustion surface area. The segments are designed to remain attached to each other and to the casing throughout combustion, maintaining structural integrity while enabling rapid combustion through increased surface area exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The notched annular fuel configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural integrity to contain combustion gases, creates large combustion surface area for high burn rates, and maintains an unobstructed central flow area for high mass flow rates without requiring separate structural support components.
3Productivity
If unobstructed flow area is increased, then mass flow rate improves, but fuel surface area for combustion may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel configuration transitions from a solid cylindrical grain to a notched annular structure with a hollow center. This dimensional change creates an unobstructed flow path through the center while the notched segments provide extensive combustion surface area, simultaneously achieving high mass flow rates and high combustion rates.
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 solution enables faster combustion and maintains structural integrity, achieving high impulse delivery with reduced choking and the need for additional structural supports, compared to traditional grain configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an annular solid fuel having an inner diameter and an outer diameter about an axis of the casing. The annular solid fuel has a notched configuration, with notches between segments of fuel... enabling faster combustion
Data Source
AI summary
A motor includes an annular solid fuel between an inside diameter and an outside diameter. The solid fuel has a series of radial notches that define segments of fuel between them. The notches allow for faster burning of the fuel, while still allowing structural integrity of the fuel segments to be retained during the burning process.