Solid-Propellant Thruster Ageing Assessment via External Transducer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-propellant thruster testing devices are not suitable for industrial-scale operation due to their bulkiness, differing environmental conditions for the thruster and testing device, electrical safety concerns, and potential operational disturbances from non-propellant components.
Innovation Solution
A solid-propellant thruster design with an integrated testing specimen and transducer system, where a vibratory impulse is emitted from outside the thruster through a specimen in the thruster's channel, allowing for the assessment of the thruster's ageing condition without compromising safety or operational integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a testing device with a solid-propellant sample and vibratory system is placed inside the ballistic projectile, then the ageing condition of the solid-propellant can be assessed, but the device becomes heavy and bulky inside the thruster
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the transducer from the internal testing device configuration and places it outside the ballistic projectile. Only the lightweight solid-propellant specimen remains inside the projectile, while the heavy transducer is positioned externally, thereby reducing the weight and volume constraints within the projectile while maintaining the capability to assess ageing conditions.
2Measurement precision
If a solid-propellant sample is contained inside a case within the thruster, then the sample can be tested, but the surrounding conditions of the sample differ from those of the thruster's solid-propellant
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a localized testing environment within the thruster's axial channel where the solid-propellant specimen is exposed to the same combustion and storage conditions as the main solid-propellant charge. The specimen is positioned in the channel without being enclosed in a separate case, allowing it to experience identical thermal, oxidative, and mechanical conditions, thereby ensuring reliable comparability between the specimen and the main propellant.
3Ease of operation
If an electrical energy source is placed inside the thruster for the testing device, then the transducer can operate, but it creates a danger of ignition of the thruster during sample testing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the electrical energy source from the internal configuration and places the transducer outside the ballistic projectile. The transducer is coupled to the solid-propellant specimen through the wall of the ballistic projectile, allowing electrical connections to be made externally. This eliminates the ignition hazard associated with having electrical components inside the thruster while maintaining the ability to perform vibratory testing.
4Measurement precision
If components other than solid-propellant are placed inside the thruster for testing, then the testing function is enabled, but these components could disturb operation of the thruster
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts all non-solid-propellant testing components from the internal configuration of the ballistic projectile. The transducer is positioned outside, and only the solid-propellant specimen itself remains inside the thruster's axial channel. This eliminates potential disturbances to thruster operation caused by foreign components while preserving the capability to assess ageing conditions through vibratory testing of the specimen.
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 solution enables effective ageing condition assessment of the thruster's solid-propellant, ensuring safety and operational reliability, while avoiding the drawbacks of existing testing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer arranged outside the casing and opposite the specimen so as to enable the emission of a vibratory impulse throughout the specimen and to transmit a response thereof
Implementation Method 2
the oxidation of the sample does not occur at the same rate as that of the solid-propellant of the thruster
Implementation Method 3
the combustion of a solid-propellant to deliver a thrust force ensuring movement thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-propellant thruster comprises a casing accommodating a solid-propellant charge, an axial channel being formed in the solid-propellant charge and enabling combustion of the solid-propellant charge. The casing carries a solid-propellant specimen arranged in the channel and a transducer arranged outside the casing and opposite the specimen so as to enable the emission of a vibratory impulse throughout the specimen and to transmit a response thereof.