The Science Behind Developing a New Rocket Propellant Formula

💥Developing a new rocket propellant formula involves extensive testing, trial and error, and adjustment of key ingredients.

🔥Particle size plays a crucial role in burn rate and propellant performance, with larger particles resulting in a slower burn.

🚀Burn rate suppressants, such as oxamide, can be added to a propellant formula to slow down the burn and reduce maximum dynamic pressure.

🔬Rology, the study of flow behavior in solid propulsion, helps determine the ratios of solids and liquids in a propellant and the particle size distributions.

💡Maintaining accurate density measurements is crucial in propellant development to ensure optimal performance and consistency.

What is the significance of particle size in rocket propellants?

—Particle size affects burn rate and propellant performance, with larger particles burning slower and providing a more controlled burn.

Why is it important to slow down the burn rate of a propellant?

—Slowing down the burn rate reduces maximum dynamic pressure and heating on the second stage of a space shot, at the cost of slight efficiency losses.

What is rology and how does it relate to solid propulsion?

—Rology is the study of flow behavior in solid propulsion, focusing on the ratios of solids and liquids and particle size distributions in a propellant formula.

How are density measurements used in propellant development?

—Accurate density measurements help ensure consistent propellant performance, allowing for precise calculations of thrust and other critical parameters.

What factors contribute to pourability and workability in propellant development?

—Particle size, binder properties, and additives such as burn rate suppressants and bonding agents all influence the pourability and workability of a propellant.

00:00Introduction and sponsorship

00:08Overview of developing a new rocket propellant formula

01:58Adjusting particle size and burn rate suppressants for desired propellant performance

04:57Exploration of rology and its role in solid propulsion

08:57Importance of accurate density measurements in propellant development

11:59Testing and firing the developed rocket motors