Abstract: A multi-pulse gas generator includes a pressure vessel, first and second propellants, a barrier membrane that separates the first propellant and the second propellant, an igniter device that produces combustion gas of igniter charge, and an igniter charge combustion gas exhaust device having exhaust holes configured to exhaust the combustion gas of the igniter charge against the second propellant. The barrier membrane includes: a concavely-deformable portion; and a convexly-deformable portion. A flow rate of the combustion gas of the igniter charge exhausted against a portion of the second propellant located outside of the concavely-deformable portion is larger than that of the combustion gas of the igniter charge exhausted against a portion of the second propellant located outside of the convexly-deformable portion.

Abstract: A hybrid rocket motor includes a solid fuel element, and an oxidizer tank containing an oxidizer. The solid fuel element adjoins and at least partially defines a combustion chamber in which the solid fuel and the oxidizer are burned, to produce thrust from the hybrid rocket motor. The oxidizer tank is at least partially within the combustion chamber, and the entire oxidizer tank may be within the combustion chamber. The oxidizer tank may be protected by an insulating material, which may also serve as a structural material that contains the pressure of the oxidizer. The insulating material and the fuel material may both be polymer-based materials, although they may be different materials having different characteristics, for example including different additives to the same polymer material. The fuel element and the oxidizer tank may be made by additive manufacturing processes, for example by adding different materials in different locations.

Abstract: A sacrificial outer sleeve of a self-eroding single-use gas-turbine-engine igniter contains a main pyrotechnic composition and an initiator embedded therein proximate to a distal portion of the sacrificial outer sleeve. The sacrificial outer sleeve extends within a combustion chamber of the gas-turbine engine when operatively coupled thereto so as to provide for igniting a fuel/air mixture therein. The sacrificial outer sleeve is constructed of a material that is consumable either responsive to combustion of the main pyrotechnic composition responsive to activation of the initiator responsive to an actuation signal communicated via an associated signal conduit, or, responsive to a subsequent operation of said gas-turbine engine to which the igniter is operatively coupled, when operatively coupled thereto.

Abstract: A vented pyrotechnic device is provided that hermetically seals the pyrotechnic material contained therein under ambient storage conditions, but vents upon exposure to elevated-temperature conditions at or below the outgassing temperature for the pyrotechnic material. The vent passage communicating the chamber containing the pyrotechnic material with the exterior of the device is initially sealed at ambient storage conditions by a temperature-sensitive material. When exposed to a predetermined temperature condition, the temperature-sensitive material undergoes a physical change unblocking the passage and permitting venting of off gases produced by the pyrotechnic material.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus and method for electrically igniting and throttling pyroelectric propellant, e.g., in a rocket engine, are provided. In one example, an apparatus includes an injector body for supplying an electrically ignitable propellant to a combustion chamber and a opposing electrodes. A first electrode may be included with the injector body and a second electrode positioned relative to the first electrode to cause ignition of the electrically ignitable propellant as the electrically ignitable propellant flows thereby.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing electrically initiated and/or controlled combustion of electrically ignitable propellants is provided. In one example, the apparatus includes a volume of electrically ignitable propellant (liquid and/or gas) capable of self sustaining combustion, and electrodes operable to ignite the propellant. The apparatus may further include a power supply and controller in electrical communication with the electrodes for supplying a potential across the electrodes to initiate combustion of the propellant and/or control the rate of combustion of the propellant. Various configurations and geometries of the propellant, electrodes, and apparatus are possible. In one example, the electrodes are supplied a direct current, which causes combustion of the propellant at the positive electrode. In another example, the electrodes are supplied an alternating current, which initiates combustion of the propellant at both electrodes.

Abstract: Embodiments of a flight vehicle are provided, as are embodiments of a method for manufacturing a flight vehicle. In one embodiment, the flight vehicle includes a solid-propellant rocket motor, control circuitry, and an electrically-interconnective support structure. The electrically-interconnective support structure includes a load-bearing frame and a plurality of electrical conductors embedded within the load-bearing frame. The solid-propellant rocket motor is mounted to the load-bearing frame, and the plurality of electrical conductors embedded within the frame electrically couples the solid-propellant rocket motor to the control circuitry.

Abstract: A controlled pyrotechnic train implementing a MEMS chip portion for use as an igniter of a charge. The pyrotechnic train includes an initiator; a blocker configured to block the train; a deflector of the blocker; and an output charge. The blocker is displaceable by the action of the deflector.

Abstract: Embodiments of a solid propellant rocket motor are provided. In one embodiment, the solid propellant rocket motor includes a pressure vessel having a cavity therein, a solid propellant disposed within the cavity, a nozzle fluidly coupled to the cavity, and a tungsten alloy burst disc positioned proximate the nozzle. The tungsten alloy burst disc is configured to block gas flow through the nozzle when the tungsten alloy burst disc is intact and to fragment at a predetermined burst pressure. Embodiments of a method are further provided for manufacturing a burst disc. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of forming a burst disc from a tungsten alloy. Embodiments of a burst disc are still further provided. In one embodiment, the burst disc includes an outer annular portion, and a central portion comprising a tungsten alloy.

Abstract: The Device object of the present invention is a solid rocket motor integrated into a propulsion system. The system is designed to be effective for most type of transportation including airplanes, submarines, trains, and ships, such as oil tankers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus which may include a common nozzle and a plurality of combustion chambers coupled to the nozzle. Each of the plurality of combustion chambers may include a case, a solid fuel propellant charge in the form of a plurality of fuel pellets, and an igniter disposed to ignite the propellant charge. Each of the plurality of combustion chambers may also include a pellet retainer disposed to retain unignited fuel pellets within the case and a burst disk disposed between the propellant charge and the nozzle. Each burst disk may adapted to rupture when the associated propellant charge is ignited and to not rupture when a propellant charge of any of the other combustion chambers is ignited.

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.

Abstract: A thruster stack assembly and method for manufacturing the same is provided. The thruster stack assembly includes a plurality of grain elements having a common core region (e.g., a channel or passageway), where each grain element comprises a volume of electrically ignitable propellant. The thruster stack assembly further includes electrodes associated with the plurality of grain elements, the electrodes adapted for selectively igniting the plurality of grain elements. In one example, one or more of the grain elements may be ignited and combusted without igniting or damaging adjacent grain elements of the stack. The core region serves to channel combustion gases and exhaust from the thruster stack. Multiple stacks may be assembled together to form three-dimensional thruster arrays.

Abstract: In the two-pulse rocket motor in accordance with the present invention, the second propellant is set outside of the first propellant in a motor case, and the inner surface of the first propellant is exposed throughout the almost entire length in the axial direction of the motor case. Therefore, the initial burning area can be secured without deteriorating the performance. Also, by providing a weak part by bonding the barrier membranes or shaping slits on the barrier membrane, the breaking portion of barrier membrane and the behavior of barrier membrane after breakage can be controlled. Further, by setting an igniter charge having higher ignitability and a higher burning rate than the second propellant between the inner surface of the second propellant and the inner barrier membrane, the detachment of barrier membrane and the ignition of the second propellant can be assisted.

Abstract: A pulse rocket motor has a hollow cylinder-like first grain situated in a rear section of a pressure vessel; a first igniter for igniting the first grain; a hollow cylinder-like second grain situated in a front section of the pressure vessel; a second igniter for igniting the second grain; and a dividing sheet member that covers the second grain within the pressure vessel. The dividing sheet member includes a dividing sheet expanding at least along the inner circumferential surface of the second grain and holders formed integrally with the dividing sheet at both ends of the dividing sheet by cure adhesion and attached to the pressure vessel. The dividing sheet includes a brittle portion that expands along the inner circumferential surface of the second grain through a rear end face of the second grain and is more brittle than other portions.

Abstract: Thruster devices for use with a lateral thrust module and/or a flight body are adapted to achieve short action times with relatively slow burning propellant materials. Such thruster devices include a combustion chamber with a plurality of propellant grains disposed therein. At least some of the plurality of propellant grains are formed into a selected shape. Methods of making thruster devices include forming a housing comprising a first longitudinal end and an opposing second longitudinal end. The housing is formed to define a combustion chamber. A plurality of propellant grains are disposed in the combustion chamber of the housing, where each propellant grain comprises a selected shape. An igniter is coupled to the housing, which igniter is adapted to initiate a combustion of the plurality of propellant grains during deployment of the thruster device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to electrocatalytically induce the decomposition of a liquid propellant for propulsion. This is accomplished by providing a reaction chamber filled with catalyst that has a first electrode, such as near the center, and the other electrode disposed away from the first electrode. A charge source that is capable of applying voltage is connected to the electrodes. When the reaction chamber is dosed with a propellant such as an aqueous based amine propellant, such as HAN, an electric current flows between the electrodes and the propellant. This initiates the decomposition of the propellant which is driven to completion by the catalyst bed in order to be used for power generation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a solid fuel rocket motor including a center-perforated solid fuel grain. The solid fuel grain may be adapted to burn outwardly from a center surface facing the center perforation when ignited by a primary igniter during a normal mode of operation. The solid fuel grain may be further adapted to burn longitudinally from an end face when ignited by a secondary igniter during a safety mode of operation.

Abstract: A NOx estimation system includes an operating mode determination module that determines an operating mode of an engine, and an emission prediction module. The emission prediction module estimates NOx emission based on the operating mode, a plurality of sensed parameters, and a map. The map correlates the plurality of sensed parameters to the NOx emission based on the operating mode.

Abstract: An actuator stack is provided and having two or more individual actuators stacked in a longitudinal direction. Each of the two or more actuators having a solid detonation charge; a primer for igniting the detonation charge; and detonation wiring for powering the primer; and wherein at least one of the two or more individual actuators comprise an accelerating nozzle having at least a convergent section terminating at a throat.

Abstract: A thruster stack assembly and method for manufacturing the same is provided. The thruster stack assembly includes a plurality of grain elements having a common core region (e.g., a channel or passageway), where each grain element comprises a volume of electrically ignitable propellant. The thruster stack assembly further includes electrodes associated with the plurality of grain elements, the electrodes adapted for selectively igniting the plurality of grain elements. In one example, one or more of the grain elements may be ignited and combusted without igniting or damaging adjacent grain elements of the stack. The core region serves to channel combustion gases and exhaust from the thruster stack. Multiple stacks may be assembled together to form three-dimensional thruster arrays.

Abstract: A solid fuel rocket motor, a castellated propellant cartridge and a method of controlling a pressure differential in a cartridge-loaded rocket motor are disclosed. The rocket motor may include a housing having an inside surface, a plurality of propellant cartridges disposed within the housing, an igniter disposed to ignite propellant material within the propellant cartridges, and a nozzle disposed to exhaust combustion gases out of the housing. At least some of the propellant cartridges may be castellated propellant cartridges.

Abstract: A rocket motor may include a case, a plurality of pellet cells disposed within the case, an igniter disposed to ignite at least one of the pellet cells, and a nozzle coupled to the case. Each pellet cell may contain a corresponding plurality of propellant pellets.

Abstract: Spacecraft thrusters capable of dual-mode operation, and a method of applying s propulsion to a spacecraft using a dual-mode thruster are provided. In one embodiment, the thrusters of the current invention can operate as a chemical motor to provide high thrust and low propellant exhaust velocity to achieve fast maneuverability, or as an electric propulsion thruster to provide low thrust and high exhaust velocity to perform maneuvers with a minimal amount of propellant.

Abstract: A long range artillery shell having a rocket motor which comprises a combustion chamber (shown filled with solid propellant 9, burn inhibitor 10, igniter material 13 and propellant support 11,12) which has at one end a plenum chamber 8 and a rocket nozzle 14 for venting the plenum chamber 8. The propellant 9 is arranged in an end-burn configuration and housed within the combustion chamber and the propellant support 11,12 is located between the propellant 9 and the plenum chamber 8 and is capable of preventing entry of unburnt propellant into the plenum chamber 8 while permitting, in use, the substantially unhindered transfer of propellant combustion products to the plenum chamber 8.

Abstract: Stereolithography is used to fabricate directly a single-piece, missile-usable, accurate, flightweight igniter without the use of intermediate, non-operational molds or prototypes in the fabrication process. The same prototype-less, direct stereolithography can be used to produce other missile-usable parts by designing each such part to be of a single-piece configuration and by using material that is suitable for both stereolithography and functional missile application.

Abstract: The invention is a fan revolution control method for controlling a pump-motor system, by controlling the fan revolution speed of a cooling fan adapted to be rotated by a fan motor to cool cooling target fluids. The pump-motor system drives the fan motor by a hydraulic fluid fed from a fan pump driven by an engine. The pump-motor system is controlled so the fan revolution speed starts from the minimum fan revolution speed when the engine is started up; the minimum fan revolution speed is maintained for at least several seconds; after the elapse of several seconds, the fan revolution speed is gradually increased from the minimum fan revolution speed. The fan revolution speed reaches a target fan revolution speed over a period of at least several seconds. The method prevents generation of peak pressure or pressure hunting.

Abstract: A solid propellant rocket engine includes: a propellant formed into a predetermined shape having a combustion cavity and capable of deflagrating into hot, high-pressure gas upon ignition; and a nozzle configured and positioned to expand the hot, high-pressure gas into the atmosphere, where the propellant forms the nozzle as a part of the predetermined shape. A multi-stage rocket unit, a multi-engine rocket stage, and a super-staged rocket each has many rocket engines.

Abstract: An ignition system for a rocket motor includes a soft plastic tube that extends up into the combustion chamber and is coupled to an oxidizer source. Ignition source wires extend through the tube and terminate at a first end at a location which is set back from the end of the tube, and have a second end coupled to an electric power supply. In operation, an oxidizer is introduced into the tube simultaneously with activation of the power supply. The set back portion of the plastic tube becomes fuel for the oxidizer and is consumed, introducing a fire plume into the combustion chamber. The tube introduces additional fuel distinct from the fuel grain or propellant which is in contact with the both the ignition source wires and oxidizer. In addition, the tube will not damage the nozzle as it is being blown of the rocket during the main propulsion phase.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device which is inert and “thermally-equivalent” to actual ordnance. The device can travel with live ordnance and track the propellant temperatures in order to get a more precise propellant temperature for the ordnance. The device comprises a thermally equivalent inert grain instrumented with thermocouples, connected to a data recorder, and packaged in scaled-down ordnance hardware. The hardware is scaled down to enable the device to more easily travel with live munitions.

Abstract: Propellant modules for Micro Pulsed Plasma Thrusters, and techniques for bundling propellant modules and for using a two-stage discharge process to increase MicroPPT propellant throughput, and decrease the output voltage required from the power-processing unit are provided.

Abstract: An ignition system for a rocket motor includes a soft plastic tube that extends up into the combustion chamber and is coupled to an oxidizer source. Ignition source wires extend through the tube and terminate at a first end at a location which is set back from the end of the tube, and have a second end coupled to an electric power supply. In operation, an oxidizer is introduced into the tube simultaneously with activation of the power supply. The set back portion of the plastic tube becomes fuel for the oxidizer and is consumed, introducing a fire plume into the combustion chamber. The tube introduces additional fuel distinct from the fuel grain or propellant which is in contact with the both the ignition source wires and oxidizer. In addition, the tube will not damage the nozzle as it is being blown of the rocket during the main propulsion phase.

Abstract: A gas generator comprises an elongated, preferably tubular outer housing (10), at least one combustion chamber (26, 28) provided therein and filled with a solid propellant (30; 30′), and at least one igniter unit (16, 18) generating ignition gas for igniting the solid propellant (30; 30′). The igniter unit (16, 18) is arranged laterally and externally on the outer housing (10) in such a way and, in relation to the outer housing (10), a preferably radial ignition transfer opening (50, 58) is provided in the outer housing so that ignition gas generated in the igniter unit (16, 18) flows into the interior of the outer housing (10) via the ignition transfer openings (50, 58).

Abstract: Control apparatus for a nozzle for a rocket or other vehicle having a combustion chamber with a propellant therein in communication with the nozzle, the nozzle having a throat and a pair of bores extending into the throat The bores may be in opposed or any other suitable relation. A pair of plungers are slidably mounted in the bores and are movable between an open position wherein they are disposed outside of the throat and a closed position wherein they extend into the throat to substantially close it. The plungers have a width or diameter substantially the same as the width or diameter of the throat. Actuator devices are provided for moving the plungers independently of each other to control thrust by controlling the flow of combustion gases through the throat and the pressure in the combustion chamber. The movement of the plungers can also be used for thrust vector control.

Abstract: This multi-stage rocket motor assembly includes, a one main motor subassembly and a launch motor subassembly. The flight igniter of the main motor subassembly is integrated with the launch motor subassembly to permit the flight igniter to be jettisoned essentially in unison with the launch motor subassembly.

Abstract: A propellant burning system and method useful in a rocket motor or projectile firing device burns a continuous main propellant grain of relatively soft propellant material selected from uncatalyzed or partially catalyzed propellants. A separating device divides the propellant grain into a large number of fragments of high-surface area during the burn and an activation mechanism for causing said separating device to operate on the main propellant grain and to ignite and control the burning thereof.

Abstract: A gas generating eject motor includes a case containing an ignitable low temperature gas generant material that does not produce toxic gases upon the combustion thereof. The gas generant material is generally contained with a screen enclosure housed within the case. An igniter is disposed within the gas generant material for selectively igniting the gas generant to thereby generate combustion gases. A nozzle is disposed within an open aft end of the case for focusing and directing the combustion gases generated by the ignited gas generant material. The case is constructed and arranged to be separably attached to the aft end of a rocket to be launched from a launch platform, so that, upon ignition of the gas generant, the combustion gases focused by the nozzle will apply a thrust to the rocket and thereby propel, or eject, the rocket from the launch platform, at which time the combustible propellant of the rocket motor will ignite and the eject motor will be separated from the rocket.

Abstract: Modular, cryogenic, solid rocket propellants of different fuel components, such as fuels, oxidizers, energy-increasing admixtures, binders, additives, etc., for all applications of solid rockets produce a uniform, stable and complete combustion, This objective is accomplished since one of the fuel elements, due to the special selection of its composition, is provided as a permanent igniter generator of the modular propellant.

Abstract: A flashless rocket propellent has a continuous potassium sulfate rod extending though the length of the propellent component. The flashless rocket propellent is particularly useful in the MK 66 Rocket Motor.

Abstract: Base bleed unit comprising a surrounding housing (1) surrounding at least one mass flow generating gun powder charge (7), and having at least one outlet hole (6, 6′) extending through a rear wall (3) of the housing (1), in which also at least one igniter charge (4) is arranged. According to the invention, an internal and the rear wall (3) adjacent portion of the mass flow generating gun powder charge (7) is arranged abutting a preferably substantially conically narrowing supporting wall surface extending from the rear wall (3). The preferably substantially conically narrowing supporting wall surface may comprise a centrally located member (5), extending from and integrated with the internal surface of the rear wall (3) of the base bleed unit, arranged to act as a supporting surface with its external surface, or with such a member attached to said internal surface. The preferably substantially conically narrowing wall surface may also comprise a collar shaped member.

Abstract: A synthesized divert propulsion system adapted to be utilized in various vehicles, including kill vehicles, interceptors, rockets, missiles and the like. The system is fabricated using microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology which eliminates complex interconnections required for traditional divert propulsion systems by integrating all propulsion fluid functions and all controlled electronic functions onto a plurality of wafers. The wafers are integrated into a complete synthesized divert propulsion system by stacking and bonding the wafers together.

Abstract: A device for initiating burning of an explosive or propellant material subjected to external heating prior to detonation is described, the device comprising at least two materials, at least a first one of which materials melts at a temperature below the temperature at which detonation of said explosive or propellant material is induced and reacts with said second material to produce an exothermic reaction to cause initiation of burning in said explosive or propellant material.

Abstract: A micro thrust and heat generator has a means for providing a combustion fuel source to an ignition chamber of the micro thrust and heat generator. The fuel is ignited by a ignition means within the micro thrust and heat generator's ignition chamber where it burns and creates a pressure. A nozzle formed from the combustion chamber extends outward from the combustion chamber and tappers down to a narrow diameter and then opens into a wider diameter where the nozzle then terminates outside of said combustion chamber. The pressure created within the combustion chamber accelerates as it leaves the chamber through the nozzle resulting in pressure and heat escaping from the nozzle to the atmosphere outside the micro thrust and heat generator. The micro thrust and heat generator can be microfabricated from a variety of materials, e.g., of polysilicon, on one wafer using surface micromachining batch fabrication techniques or high aspect ratio micromachining techniques (LIGA).

Abstract: A pyrotechnic ignition device for a gas generator (G), in which: (i) at least in the vicinity of the primary charge (CP), the transmission line (L) is at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X--X) of the outer case (E) of the generator (G); (ii) the end of the transmission line, provided with a deflagrating terminal lead charge (r), emerges in a sealed intermediate chamber (CI); and (iii) the intermediate chamber (CI) is connected to the primary charge (CP) via at least one throttling vent (e) having an axis (1--1) at least approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis (X--X) of the outer case (E).

Abstract: A low-cost rocket or thruster has a low-cost propellant injector, in which fluid fuel and oxidizer are injected into a combustion chamber. The walls of the combustion chamber are protected from the high temperatures of the combustion by a grain of solid propellant, the surface of which tends to melt andor vaporize in the presence of combustion temperatures, and thereby protects the walls of the chamber. The low-cost propellant injector may not mix the fluid fuel and oxidizer effectively, so that pockets of noncombusted gas may occur within the chamber. The ratio of fluid fuel and oxidizer is selected to be slightly oxidizer-rich, so that any pockets of unburned gas tend to be oxygen-rich. When the pockets come into contact with the solid fuel, the excess oxygen combusts with the gaseous solid fuel, and when the mixture is near stoichiometric, the fluid fuel combusts.

Abstract: A method, device and composition for achieving ignition and sustained combustion using a solid consumable catalytic bed (CCB) is described. The CCB accomplishes this by decomposition of an injected fluid. Initially this reaction is catalytic or hypergolic in nature, eventually becoming entirely thermal as the CCB is consumed in the reaction generated. The CCB may be placed in a hybrid motor system such that the decomposed injected fluid will undergo combustion with the solid grain. When the injected fluid is high concentration hydrogen peroxide the catalytic materials of construction for the CCB are selected from the metallic hydride family, the manganese oxide family and the cuprocyanide family.

Abstract: A priming mechanism for a propellant charge, notably for field artillery ammunition, comprising a tube (2) made of a combustible material, whose inner wall is lined with a priming charge which marks out a central channel (5) inside the tube (2), characterised in that the priming charge is formed of several successive layers (3) of black powder granules with a binder (4).

Abstract: An igniting system for a projectile propellant includes a combustible support tube having an outer surface and an inner surface; a plurality of throughgoing apertures provided in the support tube; a free igniting channel coaxially surrounded by the support tube; and an ignition transfer charge formed of a pyrotechnical hard foam layer having a thickness between 1 and 3 mm and being carried on the outer surface of the support tube. The hard foam layer is composed of a large-pore inner layer and two opposite surface layers which are of densely closed structure and between which the inner layer is sandwiched.

Abstract: A drive mechanism has a guide pipe, a piston which is guided in the guide pipe and is driven by a propellant that is generated by a gas generator, and a traction mechanism which connects the piston to the component to be driven.

Abstract: An igniter holder is designed for use with a model rocket engine for temporarily fixing the igniter in the ignition cavity of the model rocket engine in preparation for launch.