Nozzle Actuator for Deep Throttling of Solid Rocket Motors

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop and demonstrate a real-time thrust control system for solid rocket motors (SRM). PSI’s innovative thrust control mechanism will overcome the long-time challenges that have prevented SRM designers from achieving active throttle control. PSI’s concept is able to achieve thrust turndown ratios >5:1 with minimal impact to the system mass. In addition, the solution is amenable to conventional aluminized propellants and thrust vector control architecture, thus decreasing the development time required to integrate thrust control into existing systems. The thrust control system will feature state of the art software defined control mechanisms enabling real-time thrust control. The Phase I effort will focus on experimental feasibility of the thrust control system through cold-gas testing with both fixed thrust and dynamically controlled thrust profiles that culminate in 2x4 rocket motor hot-fire tests using a highly aluminized composite propellant. In Phase II, PSI plans to develop flight-like hardware and scale up testing to 5” diameter systems. ???????