Estudo experimental de um motor-foguete de propulsão sólida com a aplicação de catenoide no bocal convergente-divergente

Abstract

Although the fundamental principles of rocket motors are well-established, rendering this technology considerably mature, there remain ample opportunities to achieve significant advancements in this field. A notable example lies in the innovations introduced by private companies comprising the "NewSpace", such as SpaceX. Within the context of space development, the study of rocket motors encompasses various areas, including engineering, which spans from geometric design to combustion behavior analysis. The study presented in this work focuses on implementing a catenary curve to transition the convergent-divergent section of the nozzle. The solid propellant used in the rocket motor was a composition of potassium nitrate and sucrose. The convergent-divergent nozzle which incorporated the catenary curve, resulting in the formation of a catenoid, exhibited excellent performance in experimental tests. Over ten static tests were conducted, all of which were successful, with a success rate of 100%. The specific impulse of 100.31 s, the maximum achieved by the rocket engine in tests, utilized 72.99g of propellant with a density of 1569.29 kg/m³.