초록 ▼

A solid propellant thrust control system, method, and apparatus for controlling combustion of solid propellants in an opposing grains solid propellant rocket engine (OGRE) is provided. In particular, an opposing grains rocket engine and propulsion system is provided, in which actuator means connecte

A solid propellant thrust control system, method, and apparatus for controlling combustion of solid propellants in an opposing grains solid propellant rocket engine (OGRE) is provided. In particular, an opposing grains rocket engine and propulsion system is provided, in which actuator means connected are connected to solid propellant grains disposed in the pressure vessel of the engine. The actuator means are operable to selectively move the solid propellant grains together or apart relative to one another, such that the burning ends of the solid propellant grains decrease or increase relative to one another. This action controls the rate of combustion of the solid propellant grains by varying spacing distance between the burning ends of the solid propellant grains, and enables extinguishment and reignition of the OGRE. Further, a method is providing for controlling the burn rate of solid propellant grains undergoing combustion in an opposing grains rocket engine.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A propulsion system, comprising:(a) a pressure vessel having an interior and exterior,(b) a rocket nozzle connected to the pressure vessel,(c) propellant slidably disposed within the interior of the pressure vessel, said propellant comprising at least two discrete solid propel

What is claimed is: 1. A propulsion system, comprising:(a) a pressure vessel having an interior and exterior,(b) a rocket nozzle connected to the pressure vessel,(c) propellant slidably disposed within the interior of the pressure vessel, said propellant comprising at least two discrete solid propellant grains, each of said propellant grains having an end surface where combustion is initiated and occurs, said end surfaces opposing one another in an end-to-end spaced relation, thereby forming a gap between said end surfaces, said propellant grains being movable relative to one another, and(d) one or more actuator means connected to said solid propellant grains, said actuator means being operable to selectively move burning ends of solid propellant grains relative to one another, whereby to control rate of combustion of the solid propellant grains by varying spacing distance between the burning ends of the solid propellant grains.