Key Technology for Ultrasonic Measurement of Burning Rate in Large-scale Solid Rocket Motors

doi:10.12382/bgxb.2021.0805

Abstract

Abstract:

Measuring the true burning rate of a solid rocket motor (SRM) is a challenging problem in SRM research and development. Ultrasonic measurement has been proven to be a feasible solution. This study provides an overview of the related technologies for measuring dynamic and large-scale motor burning rates using ultrasonic technology. Static tests of steel shell/propellant assembly and high-temperature verification tests of the steel shell solid motor are carried out using low-frequency ultrasonic technology. After review and experimental verification, it is determined that low-frequency ultrasonic is the most feasible approach for measuring the burning rate of large-scale SRM. A further research direction is to optimize the probe layout. The study also provides suggestions for ultrasonic data processing.

Key words: ultrasonic, burning rate, solid rocket motor

SUN Dechuan, XIAN Guang. Key Technology for Ultrasonic Measurement of Burning Rate in Large-scale Solid Rocket Motors[J]. Acta Armamentarii, 2023, 44(4): 1097-1106.

Figures/Tables 19

Fig.1 Propagation of ultrasonic waves in a solid rocket motor[9]

Fig.2 Cross-section of the combustion chamber with a sample holder[12]

Fig.3 Erosive burning in a subscale nozzleless rocket-motor[17]

Fig.4 Variation of sound speed with temperature in a propellant

Fig.5 Sound speed of a solid fuel under different pressure conditions[18]

Fig.6 The regression rate from ultrasonic measurement in a hybrid rocket motor test[13]

Fig.7 Measured ultrasonic burning rate for ONERA’s large-size motor[19]

Fig.8 Echo of the grain’s burning surface[19]

Fig.9 Comparison between classical and high-thickness measurement approaches[20]

Fig.10 Investigation of ultrasonic characteristics of the propellant (1-intensity, 2-central frequency)[21]

Fig.11 Block diagram of the measurement system[21]

Fig.12 Time history of assumed web thicknesses[21]

Fig.13 Test piece

Fig.14 Echo of the grain surface with different ultrasonic frequencies

Fig.15 Ultrasonic test data of the 400mm-diameter engine with steel shell

Fig.16 Ultrasonic propagation time[19]

Fig.17 An echo wave before and after time average processing[9]

Fig.18 ODC effects[22]

Fig.19 Measured return waveform[16]

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