A solid propellant rocket engine is a chemical rocket engine that uses solid propellant. It is also called a solid propellant rocket motor. After the solid propellant is ignited, it burns in the combustion chamber, converting chemical energy into heat energy and producing high-temperature, high-pressure combustion products. These products flow through the nozzle, where they expand and accelerate, converting heat energy into kinetic energy, and are expelled at high speed from the nozzle to generate thrust.
Composition
A solid rocket motor mainly consists of a combustion chamber, propellant charge, ignition device, and nozzle.
Features
Compared to liquid rocket engines, solid rocket engines have the following characteristics:
(1) Simple structure, fewer parts, easy maintenance and operation;
(2) High reliability;
(3) The propellant is placed in the combustion chamber in the form of a propellant grain, which can be stored for a long time to ensure constant readiness;
(4) Although the specific impulse is low, the density is high;
(5) Good maneuverability and stealth;
(6) Relatively short working time and good acceleration performance;
(7) Able to adapt to working under spin conditions.
Applications
Solid rocket engines are primarily used as engines for rocket projectiles, missiles, and sounding rockets, as well as booster engines for spacecraft launches and aircraft takeoffs.
