Ignition transient induced loads control strategy for VEGA launcher' solid rocket motors: The "Zefiro9" static firing test predictions and post firing analysis

B. Favini*, M. Di Giacinto, A. Attili, D. Scoccimarro, M. Biagioni, R. De Amicis, A. Neri, P. Bellomi, S. Bianchi, F. Serraglia, M. Bonnet

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

In summer 2005, based upon the DMA's validated experience on the ignition transient of solid propellent rockets simulation and analysis, a brand new solution to control pressure oscillations at ignition was proposed for the solid rocket motors of the new VEGA Launcher of the European Space Agency. This solution, based upon the utilization of Helium instead of Nitrogen as a chamber pressuring gas, was presented and discussed for the first time during the last JPC in Tucson (AIAA-2005-4165). Being deeply analyzed and evaluated together with ESA, ELY and AVIO specialists, the proposed solution has been finally implemented in the Zefiro9-DM0 motor successfully tested in the Salto dl Quirra inter-force missile test centre in Sardinia on December 21st 2005. Test's results and experimental measurements have clearly confirmed what was predicted, not only validating Helium pressurization as a solution able to completely solve the ignition pressure oscillations issue, but also further enhancing the confidence on the prediction capabilities of the solid rocket motors Internal ballistics simulation models developed by the DMA.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationCollection of Technical Papers - AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE 42nd Joint Propulsion Conference
Pages9152-9165
Number of pages14
StatePublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes
EventAIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE 42nd Joint Propulsion Conference - Sacramento, CA, United States
Duration: Jul 9 2006Jul 12 2006

Publication series

NameCollection of Technical Papers - AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE 42nd Joint Propulsion Conference
Volume11

Other

OtherAIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE 42nd Joint Propulsion Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySacramento, CA
Period07/9/0607/12/06

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Space and Planetary Science
  • General Energy
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

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