Solid propellant gas control system and method
US8528316B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 2009 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 27, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05D2270/3013
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods of controlling solid propellant gas pressure and vehicle thrust are provided. Propellant gas pressure and a vehicle inertial characteristic are sensed. Propellant gas pressure commands and vehicle thrust commands are generated. A propellant gas pressure error is determined based on the propellant gas pressure commands and the sensed propellant gas pressure, and vehicle thrust error is determined based on the vehicle thrust commands and the sensed vehicle inertial characteristic. Reaction control valves are moved between closed and full-open positions based on the determined propellant gas pressure error and on the determined vehicle thrust error. The system and method allow the reaction control valves to operate at variable frequencies or at fixed frequencies. The system and method also allows propellant pressure to be commanded to follow a predetermined pressure profile or commanded to vary “on-the-fly.”
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.