• 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.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.392-398
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• 2009

Theoretical thrust equations for the diverse nozzle expansion condition were derived. By using the obtained thrust equations, parametric studies were carried out to estimate the effect of pressure exponent, minimum operation pressure, ambient pressure and extinguishment pressure on thrust modulation performance in pintle-nozzle solid rocket motors. Analysis results showed that thrust turndown ratio can be easily attained by small nozzle-throat area variation at high pressure exponent, low minimum operation pressure, high ambient pressure and high extinguishment pressure condition. At those conditions, the highest chamber pressure to obtain the intended thrust turndown ratio can be minimized.