System and method of controlling pressure oscillations of hydrodynamic origin for a solid propellant thruster
US7003942B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 27, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02K9/32
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides a system for passively controlling pressure oscillations of hydrodynamic origin in a solid propellant thruster comprising a body containing a charge of solid propellant, the system comprising at least one insert disposed in the thruster body transversely relative to the flow direction of the combustion gases of the solid propellant. The insert has an opening of non-axisymmetric shape so as to generate a three-dimensional effect on the flow and prevent axisymmetric turbulent modes from forming in the thruster. Thus, the control system of the invention serves to break the symmetry of the flow and thus prevents axisymmetric turbulence forming which is the source of instability that the present invention seeks to control. The present system is applicable to existing thrusters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.