Effect of elastic case on stability of radial modes in solid propellant rockets

J. D. Achenbach, C. T. Sun

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The coupling of the combustion process and the mechanical vibrations of a solid propellant rocket may result in acoustic instability if a mechanical disturbance is amplified by energy release in the combustion zone. Acoustic stability depends on the balance of energy sources and energy sinks. Energy dissipations in the gas and the viscoelastic solid propellant binder are taken into account. The instantaneous frequencies of the structural system are determined from the undamped system. In this paper the influence of relative thickness of the elastic case on acoustic stability of the lowest radial mode is discussed. It is found that in the early part of the burning process a thicker case makes a more stable motor. Near burnout, however, the motor becomes more stable for a thinner case.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)214-219
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Spacecraft and Rockets
Volume4
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1967

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effect of elastic case on stability of radial modes in solid propellant rockets'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this