Modelling of the formulated solid rocket propellant characteristics
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria
2Rocket propellant unit, Centre for Space Transport and Propulsion, Epe, Lagos Nigeria
Research Article
Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, 2021, 06(02), 061-073.
Article DOI: 10.30574/gjeta.2021.6.2.0017
Publication history:
Received on 10 January 2021; revised on 06 February 2021; accepted on 08 February 2021
Abstract:
This study is a mathematical model to obtain the characteristics performance of magnesium metal (powder) and carbon on a potassium nitrate-sucrose (KNSU) solid propellant formulation. Characterization of propellant is, as a general rule, important to determine its performance before it can be suitable for use for a rocket flight or any mission. Method of ballistic load cell evaluation was used to validate results and a mathematical model using the combustion exhaust products was solved to obtain the characteristics performance parameters of the propellant. The carbon constituent which acts as an opacifier and coolant was kept constant at 2% in order to arrest some of the heat during the combustion process and helped to lower the combustion temperature, because high combustion temperature could lead to combustion chamber rupture or failure. The effect of addition of magnesium which was optimized for 3% in the formulation contributed significantly in improving the overall performance of the propellant. The utilization of magnesium in KNSU propellant provided higher values parameters and better performance compared to when not included. This was confirmed with the model equations. The propellant combustion products equation was used to model and obtain the characteristics performance parameters. This gave propellant specific impulse (122.9s), combustion temperature (1821K), heat ratio (1.1592), molecular weight (36.89g/mole), propellant density (1912.5kg/m3) and characteristics velocity (1000m/s) result while maintaining the same chamber pressure.
Keywords:
Magnesium metal; Mathematical model; Carbon; Potassium nitrate- sucrose; Ballistic load
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