Date of Award
3-21-2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering
Department
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
First Advisor
Carl R. Hartsfield, PhD
Abstract
This research analyzes the performance of a nominal air-to-air tactical missile with varying configurations of wire-embedded end-burning solid propellant grains. Single and multi-wire models are developed to determine if total impulse and range is improved. Discontinuities in the wires are simulated to determine if gaps in the wire will affect overall performance. Five wire materials, seven wire diameters, and nine different break locations are tested. This research demonstrates wire discontinuities have negligible impact on performance and carbon nanotube fibers can theoretically improve total impulse by up to 25% compared to radially burning boost-phase grains while providing similar thrust outputs.
AFIT Designator
AFIT-ENY-MS-19-M-253
DTIC Accession Number
AD1076429
Recommended Citation
Wilson, Paul B., "Tactical Missile Performance for Single and Multi-Wire Embedded Propellant Configurations with Discontinuities" (2019). Theses and Dissertations. 2238.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/2238