• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.39 no.8
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• pp.744-749
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• 2011

In this study, determination method of initial optimal nozzle expansion in pintle rocket was investigated. The initial optimal initial nozzle expansion was decided by maximizing the mass-averaged thrust coefficient that is calculated from thrust coefficient of minimum and maximum chamber pressure. The determination of initial optimal initial nozzle expansion was equivalent to that of the minimum propellant mass which was required for obtaining the desired mission performance. The highest pressure, thrust turndown ratio and total impulse ratio effected on the initial optimal nozzle expansion. Among them, total impulse ratio had great influence on the initial optimal nozzle expansion.