SBIR-STTR Award

Utilizing newly developed solid propulsion technology developed at ET MATERIALS LLC a throttable controlled solid rocket motor will be develoed that incoporates variable thrust control without moving parts or varying the nozzle area. A dual mode grain incoporating ET MATERIALS controllable extiguishable solid propellant will be used to vary the pressure in the chamber containing a conventional AN high slope propellant. Various models will be studied to establish a thrust throttable range of 15:1 and determine the capability to provide for extiguishmens and reignition of the propellant grains. In addition, the capability of the controlled solid propellant to provide thrust control during the trnansient ignition phase will be established, thus providing for total thrush control management of the motor.

Benefits:
Throttable control of tactical solid rocket motors will be simplified by a design that utilizes no moving parts and provides throttable control throughout the flight thus increasing range and accuracy of the missile. The use of the ET Material's propellant also provides the potential to provide for extinguishment and restarts of the propellant motor. The bi-propellant throttle control could be used in tactical missiles, gun propellants, satellite launch and station keeping. It has potential use for gas generators in the commercial and automotive industries.

Keywords:
throttling,thrust mangagement,solid propellant, propellant extinguishment, dual mode grain,controllable extinguishable propellant, gas generator

ET MATERIALS LLC will utilize their controlled propellant adapted to Army tactical missile requirements. By supplementing the chamber pressure of a solid motor with combustion gases from our smaller controlled motor, in a controlled fashion we cause the chamber pressure of the tactical motor to vary. We thereby control the overall thrust and achieve full extinguishment followed by restart as required. The use of this propellant in a dual stage chamber will provide total thrust control with no moving parts, no dependence on changing the nozzle throat area, allow controlled thrust during the ignition transient phase and the potential for multiple extinguishments and restarts of the propellant. The propellant technology is completely compatible with the use of aerospike nozzles, which will also be tested. These improvements will provide for total thrust management control of the solid rocket motor thereby enhancing its range and targeting accuracy. The propellant also extremely safe in practical use, including: no spark or flame hazard, does not self sustain combustion, no toxic outgasing, insensitive to impact or ignition by blasting cap, and an environmentally "green" system. These low hazard ECESP characteristics will translate directly into significant transportation/shipping and storage cost savings for the ARMY.

Keywords:
Throttling, Thrust Management, Solid Propellant, Propellant Extiguishment,Dual Mode Grain, Controllable Extinguishable Propellant.