Investigation of Increased Efficiency in Solid Rocket Motors Related to Heat

Like humans, rocket motors need specific conditions and chemicals to work properly. To increase the efficiency of a solid propulsion motor, New Mexico State University’s Atomic Aggies had started a study to investigate the effects of using a thin film to supply more efficient conditions for a rocket motor. The study involves a thin film containing metallic powders being burnt first in an exothermic reaction, generating heat which the solid fuel and ambient surroundings would absorb. This thin film is an extremely small layer, separating the combustion chamber and solid fuel of the motor. With increased heat and utilizing a convergent divergent nozzle, theoretically achieving a faster exiting velocity of exhaust is possible due to the relation between heat and sonic flow. This increased exiting velocity translates to increased force and efficiency, while still using the same motor.