Post-Firing Analysis of Z23 SRM Ignition Transient

Abstract

In the present work it is presented a detailed post-firing analysis of the ignition transient phase of Zefiro 23, the second stage solid rocket motor of ESA Vega launcher. The post-firing analysis is based on SRM ignition transient numerical simulation performed by the SPIT code (developed by DMA) and experimental data acquired by static firing test. Zefiro 23 static firing test available are the demonstration, Z23 DM, and the qualification, Z23 QM, static firing test. For both the firing test the head end pressure and thrust data are analysed while only for Z23 QM it is also available the aft end pressure data (seal nozzle transducer). Because the ignition transient data are strongly non-stationary and non-linear, the frequency analysis of both numerical and experimental data is performed using the Hilbert-Huang Transform (HHT). A comparison between the numerical simulation and the experimental data, an analysis of the data timing and a comparison between Z23 DM and Z23 QM static firing test data are also presented.