Experimental and theoretical burning of solid rocket propellants near the pressure deflagration limit

Burning of composite solid rocket propellants near the pressure deflagration limit (PDL) was studied experimentally in two different test chambers. The propellant tested was a nonmetallized ammonium perchlorate-based composite propellant (AP 84/CTPB 16). Measurements were taken of the regression rate, oscillations frequency and flame luminosity. Self-sustained oscillations were detected near the PDL that matched reasonably well the predictions of the analytical nonlinear stability theory and of the numerically solved nonlinear mathematical model. Both experimental and numerical results show the burning rate oscillations near the PDL due to statically unstable burning, that is the only combustion regime possible below a certain pressure. When pressure is further reduced the amplitude of the oscillations increases and their frequency decreases, until extinction follows abruptly below a pressure that corresponds to the PDL.     

Buoyancy effects on smoldering combustion

A theoretical and experimental study is carried out to determine the effect of buoyancy on the rate of spread of a cocurrent smolder reaction through a porous combustible material. Since buoyant forces are proportional to the product g(_gi − _g), they can be controlled experimentally by varying either the gravitational acceleration, g, or the density difference, _gi − _g. The latter approach was followed in the present work. Measurements are performed of the smolder spread rate through porous α-cellulose (0.83 void fraction) as a function of the ambient air pressure. The experiments are carried out in a pressure vessel for ambient pressures ranging from 0.5 to 1.2 atm. The rate of spread was obtained from the temperature histories of thermocouples placed at fixed intervals along the fuel centerline. The smolder velocity was found to increase as the ambient pressure was increased. Extinction was found to occur when the buoyancy forces could not overcome the drag forces, indicating that at least for the present experimental conditions transport by diffusion cannot, by itself, support the spread of a smolder reaction. This conclusion is particularly important for outer space conditions where gravity and consequently buoyancy could be negligible. In the analysis, which assumes one-dimensional processes, the transport equations are solved to give the smolder spread rate as a function of the inlet oxygen mass flux. This mass flux is then estimated by balancing buoyancy and drag forces. Assuming that the smolder chemical reaction is only weakly dependent on pressure, the analysis finally predicts a smolder velocity dependence of the form v Y_oig²_gi Pa², i.e. is proportional to the ambient pressure squared. Good qualitative agreement is found between the theoretical predictions and the experimental results.     

Analysis of dynamic behaviour of inflatable booms in zigzag and modified zigzag folding patterns

The deployment behaviour of inflatable booms with zigzag and modified zigzag folding patterns is experimentally and theoretically investigated in this paper with the aim to deploy the booms as the actuator for future deployable large-scale membrane structures. Regarding the experimental approach, the stable deployment of a modified zigzag folding pattern is demonstrated, and the relation between stable and unstable deployment behaviour is considered in relation to air pressure and flow rate. In terms of the theoretical approach, the folding process and deployment behaviour are simulated using commercially available software (PAM-CRACH and PAM-SAFE). To create folding lines from the zero stress condition in the case of analytical inflatable boom models, the stress distribution and the shapes of the folding lines are considered for the initial self-deployment behaviour and deployment behaviour using the uniform pressure method. From the folding experiments and the results of folding analyses and UPM, the deployment behaviour of inflatable boom models in zigzag and modified zigzag folding patterns is compared by using the finite point-set method. For the sequential deployment behaviour, which is difficult to replicate, the uniform pressure method is used for the calculations, and the relation between inlet air flow and stable deployment behaviour is discussed through comparison of the experimental and analytical results.     

含碳酸钙的负压强指数复合固体推进剂燃烧机理

本文采用激光阴影高速摄影、扫描电子显微镜、X光电子能谱,对含和不含CaCO_(3)的三种夹心件及SO4-5A PU复合推进剂的燃烧过程、燃面形貌、化学成分和覆盖分数分别进行了研究和测定。结果表明:CaCO_(3)在低压下(〈1.96MPa)提高AP的燃速,在高压下(〉1.96MPa)起降速作用;CaCO_(3)与AP反应生成CaCl_2,并促使AP熔化;燃面上CaCl_2含量随压强上升而增加;PU熔化流动对AP表面的覆盖在mesa区内随压强而升高,在非mesa区的低压区也存在。基于以上实验结果,对含CaCO_(3)的PU负压强指数推进剂的燃烧机理进行了讨论。     

Definition and analysis of properties of optimal three-impulse point-to-orbit transfers under time constraint

This paper deals with energetically optimal multi-impulse transfers of a spacecraft in the central Newtonian gravitational field near a planet. The transfer from a point on initial orbit to the final orbit with the given angular momentum and energy constants is considered. The transfer time is bounded above.With the distance from spacecraft to planet limited and the time free, such parameters of given orbits are chosen that the 3-impulse apsidal transfer T_r is optimal with an intermediate impulse at the maximum distance. On the basis of necessary optimality conditions an algorithm is developed to numerically determine the desired optimal transfer trajectory T_t under time constraint, the apsidal trajectory T_r being taken as initial approach. From the geometry and energy viewpoints, both trajectories T_t and T_r are close to each other. The trajectory T_t is also 3-impulsive, all impulses on it are nonapsidal. The distance from the planet is larger and the sum of impulses is less for this trajectory than for the initial trajectory T_r with the same transfer time.The simplified solution of the problem is constructed producing good approximation to the exact numerical optimization results. The solution asymptotics is found when the transfer time tends to infinity.     

Radial profile of pressure in a storm ring current as a function of D st

Using satellite data obtained near the equatorial plane during 12 magnetic storms with amplitudes from ?61 down to ?422 nT, the dependences of maximum in L-profile of pressure (L _m) of the ring current (RC) on the current value of D _st are constructed, and their analytical approximations are derived. It is established that function L _m(D _st ) is steeper on the phase of recovery than during the storm’s main phase. The form of the outer edge of experimental radial profiles of RC pressure is studied, and it is demonstrated to correspond to exponential growth of the total energy of RC particles on a given L shell with decreasing L. It is shown that during the storms’ main phase the ratio of plasma and magnetic field pressures at the RC maximum does not practically depend on the storm strength and L _m value. This fact reflects resistance of the Earth’s magnetic field to RC expansion, and testifies that during storms the possibilities of injection to small L are limited for RC particles. During the storms’ recovery phase this ratio quickly increases with increasing L _m, which reflects an increased fraction of plasma in the total pressure balance. It is demonstrated that function L _m(D _st ) is derived for the main phase of storms from the equations of drift motion of RC ions in electrical and magnetic fields, reflecting the dipole character of magnetic field and scale invariance of the pattern of particle convection near the RC maximum. For the recovery phase it is obtained from the Dessler-Parker-Sckopke relationship. The obtained regularities allow one to judge about the radial profile of RC pressure from ground-based magnetic measurements (data on the D _st variation).     

航天器密封管路的气态工质与示漏气体 漏率等效关系研究

利用多种气体分析仪,采取四级质谱定量分析技术,分别测定He、N₂、N_e、CF₄、Kr等气体在不同入口压力下通过不同的人造漏孔的漏率;经过对同工况下气体间漏率比对,研究气体间漏率等效关系。试验结果表明:气体在不同工况下处于不同的流动领域,且其漏率与入口压力存在着不同的数值关系,经分析试验结果得出适用于气体全流域的漏率经验公式;气体间漏率的等效关系在低漏率及高漏率端始终呈平滑的线性关系,而在中间的过渡区域呈四或五次多项式关系;但是CF₄与H_e的漏率等效性呈线性关系,显示出多原子分子与单、双原子分子在粒子输运过程中存在着差异。试验结果为示漏工质漏率指标的制定提供了基础数据。     

A Diffusion Model of Radial Distributions of Energetic Protons in Saturn's Magnetosphere

A simple diffusion model of Saturn's radiation belts with a constant internal source and particle losses at the boundaries is considered. The radial diffusion coefficient is supposed to be D _LL L ⁴. The analytical solution to the stationary diffusion equation describes well the observed radial profiles of the distribution function of energetic protons in Saturn's magnetosphere.     

Combustion behaviour of composite propellant at sub-atmospheric pressure

A family of four composite propellants has been investigated with regard to its combustion behaviour at low pressure. The effect of initial propellant temperature is very severe and sometimes leads to unexpected results, the burning rate being higher at low temperatures. The propellant temperature sensitivity σ_p shows a correlation with temperature and propellant composition. Combustion instability predominantly occurs below 55 kPa and seems to be related to the propellant combustion process itself.     

Analysis and implementation of in-plane stationkeeping of continuously perturbed Walker constellations

The stationkeeping of symmetric Walker constellations is analyzed by considering the perturbations arising from a high order and degree Earth gravity field and the solar radiation pressure. These perturbations act differently on each group of spacecraft flying in a given orbital plane, causing a differential drift effect that would disrupt the initial symmetry of the constellation. The analysis is based on the consideration of a fictitious set of rotating reference frames that move with the spacecraft in the mean sense, but drift at a rate equal to the average drift rate experienced by all the vehicles over an extended period. The frames are also allowed to experience the J₂-precession such that each vehicle is allowed to drift in 3D relative to its frame. A two-impulse rendezvous maneuver is then constructed to bring each vehicle to the center of its frame as soon as a given tolerance deadband is about to be violated. This paper illustrates the computations associated with the stationkeeping of a generic Walker constellation by maneuvering each leading spacecraft within an orbit plane and calculating the associated velocity changes required for controlling the in-plane motions in an exacting sense, at least for the first series of maneuvers. The analysis can be easily extended to lower flying constellations, which experience additional perturbations due to drag.     

不同压力条件下水平平板的表面换热实验研究

为了解不同压力下水平平板的气体对流换热变化情况,搭建了一个提供不同气压和环境温度的实验舱,开展了在不同压力(0.1 Pa、0.1 k Pa、0.2 k Pa、0.5 k Pa、1 k Pa、10 k Pa、50 k Pa和常压)与几种加热量(75、150、300 W/m~2)组合条件下的水平平板换热实验研究。通过对辐射换热和自然对流换热的比较,得到不同压力下气体的对流换热系数。结果表明:对流换热系数在环境气体压力小于1 k Pa时非常小,而在1 k Pa以上时才较大;在大于1 k Pa时,对流换热系数随压力的升高呈二次方增加。     

The optimization of the orbital Hohmann transfer

There are four bi-impulsive distinct configurations for the generalized Hohmann orbit transfer. In this case the terminal orbits as well as the transfer orbit are elliptic and coplanar. The elements of the initial orbit a₁, e₁ and the semi-major axis a₂ of the terminal orbit are uniquely given quantities. For optimization procedure, minimization is relevant to the independent parameter e_T, the eccentricity of the transfer orbit. We are capable of the assignment of minimum rocket fuel expenditure by using ordinary calculus condition of minimization for |ΔV_A|+|ΔV_B|=S.We exposed in detail the multi-steps of the optimization procedure. We constructed the variation table of S(e_T) which proved that S(e_T) is a decreasing function of e_T in the admissible interval [e_Tmin,e_Tmax]. Our analysis leads to the fact that e₂=1 for e_T=e_Tmax, i.e. the final orbit is a parabolic trajectory.     

Ignition system for oxygen/hydrogen auxiliary propulsion systems

When the oxygen/hydrogen bipropellant combination was selected for use in the Space Shuttle Main Engine, it became apparent that many advantages may result if the Auxiliary Propulsion System Engines were to use the same propellants. A new ignition system, possessing a dramatically new level of reliability, durability and response, is required because the oxygen/hydrogen combination is not hypergolic and the projected missions will require a very large number of fast-response engine starts.The objective of this program was to obtain basic data for spark torch ignition methods at operating conditions typical of a Space Shuttle Orbiter Auxiliary Propulsion System. The research included ignition analysis and igniter design, fabrication and hot-fire test.Extensive testing of spark torch igniters was performed (chamber pressure, 206.8 N/cm², 300 psia, nominal) in the Igniter-Only and Igniter-Complete Thruster (thrust, 6672 N, 1500 lbF, nominal) operational modes. Reliable, repeatable ignitions were obtained with spark energies of 1–10 mJ. Hot-fire test results showed there is no effect of back pressure (1.013 × 10⁵ to 1.333 × 10^?2 N/m², 7.60 × 10² to 1 × 10^?4 mm Hg) or low temperature (O₂, 170 K, 306 R; H₂, 107 K, 193 R) on the response of the igniter or the ignition delay of the thruster over the ranges tested. Igniter durability and pulse capability were demonstrated with 150 sec of continuous operation and 1000 consecutive pulses, respectively. Durability was further demonstrated with a series of 2500 Igniter-Complete Thruster ignitions at nominal chamber pressure. No limiting variables were encountered. The hot-fire test results showed the spark torch igniter is capable of meeting fully the typical Space Shuttle Orbiter Auxiliary Propulsion System mission requirements.     

富燃料推进剂的燃烧成气率测试研究

建立了富燃料推进剂燃烧成气率测试装置,提出了实验方法,选用酸洗石棉和高硅氧玻璃纤维布作为过滤介质,实现了富燃料推进剂燃烧后气相和凝聚相燃烧产物的可靠分离,同时提出验证可靠分离的方法.测试了实验过程中的压强变化,结果表明,通过调整样品形状及用量和后端盖的数量可以控制燃烧室的压强,可实现一定压强下的样品燃烧成气率的测试.     

返回舱再入过程密封舱气体泄漏计算研究

为分析返回舱再入过程中密封舱漏孔内外压差,并对漏孔变流量充气过程进行研究,采用离散化分析方法将返回舱再入过程分成若干个阶段,针对容积为14 m~3的密封舱和面积为10 cm~2的漏孔,计算并获得了密封舱内外压差、漏孔质量流率、漏孔流速等参数在50~5 km范围内随高度下降的变化规律。结果表明:在高度5 km开伞时刻,漏孔质量流率达到最大值0.134 kg/s,舱内外压差趋近于最大值,约20 172 Pa;返回舱下降过程中漏孔流速在148.4~181.5 m/s之间,处于亚声速区;漏孔气体流速与漏孔面积大小无关,仅与漏孔内外压力及漏孔进口空气密度有关。以上研究结果可为密封舱结构强度设计、伞舱弹伞设计提供参考。     

Verification of the Accuracy of the Magnetopause Empirical Models Using the INTERBALL-1 Satellite Data

A statistical analysis of the shape and location of the magnetopause according to the INTERBALL-1 satellite data for the period 1995–1997 is carried out. The instants of crossing the magnetosphere boundaries obtained by the plasma and magnetic data are compared with computations based on three empirical models, namely, Petrinec and Russel, 1996; Shue et al., 1997; and Shue et al., 1998. The state of the interplanetary medium (dynamic pressure of the solar wind plasma P _d and the B _z component of the interplanetary magnetic field) was determined by the measurements onboard the WIND spacecraft. We estimate the accuracy of the considered models for different groups of boundary crossings: single, multiple with small duration (less than 40 min), and multiple with large duration (more than 40 min). It is demonstrated that the small-scale motions of the boundary (<1R _E) are observed more often in the dayside magnetosphere, especially near the cusp region. Large-scale boundary oscillations (>1R _E) are more common in the tail region of the magnetosphere, namely, its flanks. Various models give similar results: about 50% of all events have deviations by more than 1R _E from the model locations. In some cases, the deviation of the measured location of the magnetosphere boundary from the model prediction may be as large as 5–6R _E for all three models considered, the actual boundary being more often located nearer to the Earth than the result of model computations. The best model is that of Shue et al., 1998, but it does not differ significantly from the other models.     

Low-energy Earth–Moon transfers involving manifolds through isomorphic mapping

Analysis and design of low-energy transfers to the Moon has been a subject of great interest for decades. Exterior and interior transfers, based on the transit through the regions where the collinear libration points are located, have been studied for a long time and some space missions have already taken advantage of the results of these studies. This paper is concerned with a geometrical approach for low-energy Earth-to-Moon mission analysis, based on isomorphic mapping. The isomorphic mapping of trajectories allows a visual, intuitive representation of periodic orbits and of the related invariant manifolds, which correspond to tubes that emanate from the curve associated with the periodic orbit. Two types of Earth-to-Moon missions are considered. The first mission is composed of the following arcs: (i) transfer trajectory from a circular low Earth orbit to the stable invariant manifold associated with the Lyapunov orbit at L₁ (corresponding to a specified energy level) and (ii) transfer trajectory along the unstable manifold associated with the Lyapunov orbit at L₁, with final injection in a periodic orbit around the Moon. The second mission is composed of the following arcs: (i) transfer trajectory from a circular low Earth orbit to the stable invariant manifold associated with the Lyapunov orbit at L₁ (corresponding to a specified energy level) and (ii) transfer trajectory along the unstable manifold associated with the Lyapunov orbit at L₁, with final injection in a capture (non-periodic) orbit around the Moon. In both cases three velocity impulses are needed to perform the transfer: the first at an unknown initial point along the low Earth orbit, the second at injection on the stable manifold, the third at injection in the final (periodic or capture) orbit. The final goal is in finding the optimization parameters, which are represented by the locations, directions, and magnitudes of the velocity impulses such that the overall delta-v of the transfer is minimized. This work proves how isomorphic mapping (in two distinct forms) can be profitably employed to optimize such transfers, by determining in a geometrical fashion the desired optimization parameters that minimize the delta-v budget required to perform the transfer.     

电子仪器泄复压试验设备改造

电子仪器泄复压试验是载人航天系统工程中的一项关键技术。文章介绍了北京卫星环境工程研究所泄复压试验设备的改造目的以及改造方案,重点运用理论研究的方法即泄压设计分析与复压设计分析,使改造后的设备同时满足两类技术要求,并结合工程试验研究加以验证。通过调试试验证明,改造后的设备满足相应的技术要求,可以保证泄复压试验的顺利进行。