Research on thermal protection method of lightweight aluminum alloy motor

Purpose This paper aims to study the thermal protection methods for lightweight aluminum alloy motors. Design/methodology/approach Through a combination of experimental and simulation validation, the effects of two thermal protection methods for aluminum alloy motors, namely, micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treatment alone and the combination of MAO treatment and thermal insulation coating, were investigated. Findings Tests and simulations revealed that the MAO treatment provides effective thermal protection. Moreover, combining MAO treatment with a thermal insulation coating leads to better thermal protection than MAO treatment alone. Originality/value This study provides new insights into the thermal protection of solid rocket motors and broadens the application prospects of aluminum alloy in solid rocket motors.