Multi-stage propellant systems, assemblies, and methods
AssigneeGoodrich Corporation
InventorsBrian Wilson, Kaylyn Beseler
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A solid propellant propulsion motor may comprise: a forward propellant grain extending along a longitudinal axis of a motor case between a forward end of the motor case and a first burn inhibitor layer in the motor case; the first burn inhibitor layer disposed axially adjacent to the forward propellant grain; an aft propellant grain disposed axially adjacent to the first burn inhibitor layer; a second burn inhibitor layer disposed axially adjacent to an aft end of the aft propellant grain; and an ablative material layer disposed on a radially inner surface of the aft propellant grain.
Claims20
A solid propellant propulsion motor for an ejection catapult assembly, comprising:
- a motor case configured to be coupled to the ejection catapult assembly;
- a forward propellant grain extending along a longitudinal axis of the motor case between a forward end of the motor case and a first burn inhibitor layer in the motor case;
- the first burn inhibitor layer disposed axially adjacent to the forward propellant grain;
- an aft propellant grain disposed axially adjacent to the first burn inhibitor layer;
- a second burn inhibitor layer disposed axially adjacent to an aft end of the aft propellant grain;
- and
- an ablative material layer disposed on a radially inner surface of the aft propellant grain, wherein during operation of the solid propellant propulsion motor, the solid propellant propulsion motor includes:
- a first phase of combustion of the forward propellant grain, and
- a second phase of combustion of the aft propellant grain, the first phase of combustion having a higher pressure burn and a shorter duration relative to the second phase of combustion.
An ejection catapult assembly, comprising:
- a mortar tube;
- and
- a solid propellant propulsion motor configured to propel the mortar tube, the solid propellant propulsion motor comprising:
- a motor case,
- a forward propellant grain disposed at a forward end of the motor case,
- an aft propellant grain disposed axially aft of the forward propellant grain and fluidly isolated from the forward propellant grain, and
- an ablative material layer disposed on a radially inner surface of the aft propellant grain, the ablative material layer configured to erode during burning of the forward propellant grain, wherein during operation of the solid propellant propulsion motor, the solid propellant propulsion motor includes:
- a first phase of combustion of the forward propellant grain, and
- a second phase of combustion of the aft propellant grain, the first phase of combustion having a higher pressure burn and a shorter duration relative to the second phase of combustion.
A method for manufacturing a solid propellant propulsion motor for an ejection catapult assembly, comprising:
- disposing a forward propellant grain at a forward end of a motor case;
- disposing a first burn inhibitor layer axially adjacent to the forward propellant grain;
- disposing an aft propellant grain axially adjacent to the first burn inhibitor layer;
- disposing an ablative material layer on a radially inner surface of the aft propellant grain, wherein the forward propellant grain is configured to provide a higher pressure burn for a shorter duration during combustion relative to the aft propellant grain;
- and
- coupling the motor case to the ejection catapult assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.