Optimized Hot-Pressing Technology for AG-4V-Based Composite Thermal Insulation in Solid Rocket Motor Nozzles
摘要
The article presents a technology for producing composite thermal insulation material based on AG-4B by stepwise hot pressing for nozzle assemblies of small-sized rocket engines. Five samples were produced at different combinations of pressure, temperature and exposure time. During the transition from sample 1 to 4, a consistent improvement in the complex of properties was recorded: density increased from 1.59 to 1.76 g/cm3 (+10.7%), compressive strength from 98 to 154 MPa (+57%), Brinell hardness from HB 39 to HB 51 (+30.8%), while at the same time, the coefficient of thermal conductivity decreased from 0.31 to 0.20 W/m·K (–35.5%). Fire resistance was assessed by fire tests with a propane-oxygen burner; additionally, the nozzle assembly with the resulting thermal insulation was tested on a mixed fuel engine stand. According to the totality of tests, samples 4–5 provided a positive result, and sample 4 retained its integrity and resistance to the effects of combustion products without signs of destruction, which confirms the applicability of the technology for thermal protection of nozzle assemblies.