Solid propellant additive manufacturing system
US11208362B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2018 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/3097
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system is used for additively manufacturing propellant elements, such as for rocket motors, includes partially curing a propellant mixture before extruding or otherwise dispensing the material, such that the extruded propellant material is deposited on the element in a partially-cured state. The curing process for the partially-cured extruded material may be completed shortly after the material is put into place, for example by the material being heated at or above its cure temperature, such that it finishes curing before it fully cools. The propellant material may be prepared by first mixing together, a fuel, an oxidizer, and a binder, such as in an acoustic mixer. After that mixing a curative may be added to the mixture. The propellant mixture may then be directed to an extruder (or other dispenser), in which the mixture is heated to or above a cure temperature prior to the deposition, and then deposited.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.