Very Light-Weight Divert Propulsion Systems

The Phase II development effort focuses on 1) adapting existing rapid prototyping techniques for the robust, fabrication of metallic and ceramic injectors for bipropellant systems and 2) with the integration and joining of these injectors with ceramic matrix composite nozzles. The fabrication of complex components such as injectors by rapid protyping opens up a whole new area of injector design capability, not previously possible with conventionl fabrication techniques. These design opportunities will be explored together with mass reduction and nozzle joining approaches. The use of ceramic inectors and nozzles provides not only light weight, high temperature capability but improved corrosion resistance against many bipropellant fuels, allowing significantly higher operating temperatures. Injectors will be fabricated based on new improved designs, integrated with CMC nozzles capable of operating at temperatures in excess of 3700ºF and tested with bipropellants for durations up to 10 minutes understeady state conditions. This Phase II development effort will link two major parts of the propulsion system (injector and nozzle) and will initiate the use of low cost ceramics for ultra high temperature propulsion applications.