A Primer for University-Level Solid Rocket Motor Research and Development

Abstract

The recent addition of multiple intercollegiate rocket competitions has prompted the increased use of custom rocket propulsion systems by numerous universities. Collegiate rocket and research teams starting the development of solid propellant rocket motors often encounter problems throughout the entirety of design and testing phases. Specifically, there exists a discrepancy between standardized university textbooks on the subject and current hobbyist literature. Daedalus Astronautics at Arizona State University began research on solid rocket motors in 2006 and has since developed numerous successful motors. These motors have progressed from simple propellant formulations into high regression rate propellants utilizing multiple burn rate catalysts. The evolution of Daedalus’ motor mixing methodology and other key information pertinent to solid rocket motor design and manufacture is included in this paper. A number of significant steps are outlined including safety and regulatory concerns, basic formula compositions, propellant characterization methodology, manufacturing processes and motor testing. The intended use of this paper is to act as a primer for the quick start-up and development of reliable solid rocket motor designs suitable for use in high powered sounding rockets.