Title: Application of hybrid rocket boosters to launch vehicle systems
Abstract:The Hybrid Propulsion Demonstration Program (HPDP) currently underway at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) seeks to mature technologies necessary to enable full scale engineering development of ...The Hybrid Propulsion Demonstration Program (HPDP) currently underway at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) seeks to mature technologies necessary to enable full scale engineering development of hybrid boosters. The goal of the HPDP is to develop and test a 250 Klbf thrust hybrid booster that will demonstrate hybrid propulsion technologies and enable manufacturing of large hybrid boosters for current and future space launch vehicles. Past vehicle simulations have utilized fixed boosters in their assessment of overall vehicle definition and vehicle system performance. When fixed boosters are scaled to meet requirements, a certain degree of uncertainty is introduced into the analysis. Models currently exist for sizing pressurized and pump fed booster/vehicle tanks, intertank assemblies, skirts, etc. However, no tools were available to allow for sizing of a hybrid fuel grain to complete the booster synthesis process. An industry standard solid performance evaluation program was modified and used in conjunction with a launch vehicle synthesis tool to optimize critical vehicle system parameters such as vehicle/booster weight or payload. The process is capable of producing a hybrid booster that has been optimized to perform a specific mission with a specific core launch vehicle. Geometric fuel grain parameters, booster weight summaries and associated performance are provided for candidate launch vehicle systems. Integration of these available tools assist in performing system studies required for full scale flight system hybrid booster development. Analyses indicate a significant payload increase with the addition of hybrid rocket boosters to the Atlas family of launch vehicles. This paper will summarize analyses conducted to date and provide mass property and performance data for the concepts reviewed. An Atlas IIAR model has been utilized to deliver 10,500 Ib of payload to a geosynchronous transfer orbit with a minimized hybrid booster dry weight.Read More
Publication Year: 1997
Publication Date: 1997-07-06
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 4
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