Thrust reversal system
US4484439A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 1981 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02K9/92
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A thrust reversal system for reducing, neutralizing and/or reversing the thrust vector resultant of a solid propellant rocket motor utilizes a movable conical piston or plenum cover that fits over a plurality of small ports that are arranged in a circumferential band around the aft dome of the rocket motor. Before actuation, the cover seals the ports. When actuated, the cover is retracted aft a pre-set distance to uncover the ports, shock and the stroke time being controlled by a shock absorber which in one embodiment of the invention is of the hydraulic type and in other embodiments is of the mechanical type. The cover becomes a baffle which directs the combustion chamber gas exiting the ports outward and forward. Suitable control of the flow characteristics may be exercised by the setting of the travel distance of the piston cover and the number, size and orientation of the ports. The time to reach a negative thrust vector can be reduced by increasing the size of the hydraulic fluid control orifice or by the use of high rate stroke mechanical shock. The amount of reverse thrust may be increased by optimizing the reversal port area and the reversal nozzle angle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.