Pyrolysis Caused Tail-Off Thrust in a Solid Rocket Motor: A Semi-Empirical Model

P.R. Madhava Panicker; N. Ramachandran; K.P. Sreekumar; M.R.A. Majeed

doi:10.14429/dsj.48.3870

P.R. Madhava Panicker Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
N. Ramachandran Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
K.P. Sreekumar Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
M.R.A. Majeed Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.48.3870

Keywords: Polar satellite launch vehicle, Semi empirical model, Solid rocket motors

Abstract

Knowledge of tail-off thrust characteristics of solid rocket motors used for an upper stage of satellite launch 'Vehicle is essential for proper sequencing of stage separation. The phenomenon is highly complex and theoretical models accurately describing the tail-off thrust are not available. Only rough estimates can be made through ground testing. A semi-empirical model is derived by the authorsusing the Indian polar satellite launch vehicle (PSL V) flight data and is used for fixing the time of stage separation. The model has been validated using data over an extended duration from another flight ofthe PSL V. The method adopted for modelling is described.

Author Biographies

P.R. Madhava Panicker, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.

N. Ramachandran, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.

K.P. Sreekumar, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.

M.R.A. Majeed, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.

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