Solid-Propellant Motor Dismantling via In-Water Combustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dismantling solid-propellant engines are inefficient in terms of processing rate and simplicity, often requiring complex operations like cutting or cryogenic treatment, and are not compatible with all types of propellants, particularly those used in tactical missiles.
Innovation Solution
A method involving starting the engine to combust the propellant while mounted on a static test rig immersed in a water tank, followed by disassembly and rinsing to remove residues, allowing for high dismantling rates without sensitive operations and compatible with various propellant designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional dismantling methods (cutting, cryogenic treatment) are used, then propellant removal is achieved, but processing rate is low and operations become complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing propellant through mechanical means (cutting, crushing), the invention inverts the approach by igniting the propellant in situ to consume it completely. This transforms a mechanical removal problem into a chemical consumption process, dramatically simplifying operations and increasing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the propellant removal function from mechanical operations and transfers it to a chemical combustion process. By igniting the propellant within the engine housing and allowing it to burn completely, the propellant is consumed and converted to exhaust gases that escape through the nozzle, eliminating the need for mechanical extraction.
2Productivity
If cryogenic methods are used to fragment propellant, then propellant removal is achieved, but processing time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combustion process continues uninterrupted until all propellant is consumed. The igniter initiates continuous burning that propagates through the entire propellant mass, converting it to gases that exhaust continuously through the nozzle. This eliminates the intermittent operations (cooling, crushing, heating) required by cryogenic methods, achieving continuous propellant removal.
3Reliability
If propellant is cracked or damaged during dismantling, then propellant removal is achieved, but pyrotechnic safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially hazardous propellant from a threat into a beneficial resource by controlled combustion. The propellant's inherent combustibility, which could be dangerous during mechanical handling, is harnessed as the removal mechanism itself. The propellant burns cleanly and completely, converting potential hazard into controlled energy release that safely consumes the material.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If environmental protection requirements are met, then pollution is reduced, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combustion process creates a self-contained environment where propellant burns in the confined space of the engine housing. The water layer in the containment structure provides an inert barrier between the combustion zone and the external environment, preventing pollution while allowing the combustion process to proceed without additional complex environmental control systems.
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
This method achieves high daily processing rates with enhanced pyrotechnic safety, reduced environmental pollution, and compatibility with diverse propellant types, including those used in tactical missiles, by containing combustion products in water and facilitating recycling of inert engine components.
Implementation Method 1
starting the engine so as to use up all of the propellant that it contains
Implementation Method 2
the engine is started and the propellant is combusted while the engine is mounted on a static test rig and immersed in a tank filled with water
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for solid-propellant engines to be dismantled safely and in accordance with environmental standards having been scrapped. For each engine to be dismantled, it is mounted on a static test rig, immersed in a tank filled with water and started such that propellant is used up under the water. The soluble part of the combustion products (gases or condensates) thus remains trapped in the water in the tank while the non-soluble solid products drop to the bottom of the tank. The body of the engine emptied of its fuel in this way and rendered pyrotechnically inert is then taken apart or disassembled. Periodically, the water in the tank is withdrawn and the tank stripped of its deposits such that subsequent dismantling operations can be carried out under proper conditions. All of the combustion products recovered are sent to appropriate reprocessing plants. The method allows high dismantling rates.