Multi-functional pulse-divided rocket
US8291691B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05D2240/1281
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A multi-pulse rocket is equipped with a thermally insulating barrier that serves as a rupture disk or a movable plug or plate separating staged propellant grains. When a rupture disk it used, the disk can be equipped with a pyrotechnic actuator to weaken the disk upon command, enabling the propellant grain on the fore side of the disk to burst the disk at a relatively low pressure when ignition of the propellant grain is needed for additional thrust. Rupturing of the disk can also be controlled by attitude maneuvering ports on the fore side of the barrier whose open or closed conditions are controlled by independently operable closures. When a movable plug is used, the plug is movable between a closed position separating rocket chamber into subchambers isolating the propellant grains from each other and an open position allowing the flow of combustion gas between the two subchambers to achieve additional axial thrust. In all cases, the barrier when intact serves to contain both propellant grains regardless of whether one or both is ignited. The propellant grain on the fore side of the barrier can thus be used for either axial thrust augmentation or for attitude maneuvering.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.