Unitized Hybrid Rocket System Mounting via Elastomeric Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid rocket systems face challenges in securing and mounting to a spacecraft fuselage while minimizing leakage paths and ensuring reliability and safety, as existing methods are complex and prone to leaks.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid rocket system where an oxidizer tank with a cylindrical midsection is bonded to the spacecraft inner surface using an elastomeric adhesive, with an elongated solid-fuel motor case mechanically secured to the tank, eliminating the need for separate support and reducing leakage paths by using a single adhesive bonding system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate support structures are used for motor case and oxidizer tank, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and number of leakage paths increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor case and oxidizer tank are merged into a single integrated assembly where the motor case is rigidly secured directly to the tank's rear bulkhead. This integration eliminates separate support structures for both components, reducing the number of interfaces and potential leakage paths while maintaining structural stability through the unified bonding system.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric adhesive bonding system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for both the oxidizer tank and motor case, seals the interface between components, and dampens vibrations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate support and sealing structures, simplifying the overall mounting system.
2Strength
If multiple separate mounting structures are used for motor case and oxidizer tank, then structural support is improved, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Both the oxidizer tank and motor case are secured to the spacecraft using a single elastomeric adhesive bonding system applied at their respective interfaces. This merged mounting approach provides adequate structural support for both components while eliminating the weight of separate support structures, brackets, and fastening systems that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric adhesive provides both structural support and vibration damping through its viscoelastic properties. By selecting an adhesive with appropriate stiffness and bonding characteristics, sufficient structural support is achieved without requiring additional heavy support structures, thereby reducing overall system weight.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid bonding is used for motor case to tank, then mechanical stability is improved, but vibration absorption decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric adhesive is formulated with specific viscoelastic parameters that allow it to provide both rigid mechanical bonding for structural stability and vibration damping for harm reduction. The adhesive's stiffness and damping characteristics are optimized to maintain motor case stability while absorbing harmful vibrations during rocket operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric adhesive acts as a composite material combining rigid bonding properties for structural integrity with viscoelastic damping properties for vibration absorption. This composite behavior allows the single bonding system to simultaneously achieve motor case stability and protect against vibration damage.
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 configuration provides a reliable and safe mounting system that absorbs pressure and vibrations, allowing the motor to be cantilevered without additional support, simplifying replacement and reducing weight, while minimizing leakage paths and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
an oxidizer tank having a cylindrical midsection which can be bonded to a spacecraft inner surface by a layer of elastomeric adhesive
Implementation Method 2
This configuration provides a reliable and safe mounting system that absorbs pressure and vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
The hybrid rocket system of this invention is characterized by use of an oxidizer tank having a cylindrical midsection surrounded by a skirt and bonded thereto by a layer of elastomeric adhesive. The skirt outer surface is in turn adhesively secured to a spacecraft inner surface. An elongated solid-fuel motor case is mechanically rigidly secured to a central rear surface of the tank, and the case terminates in a throat and nozzle. The elastomeric-adhesive bonding of tank to skirt, and rigid adhesion of skirt to spacecraft forms the sole support for the rocket system, and separate support for the motor case is not required.