Rocketry Fuel Grains
Solid fuel grains can be moulded to produce different thrust patterns. The image below shows a sample of the patterns used.
The first pattern is the traditional moulding, producing a stable incremental thrust.
The second pattern produces improved thrust due the greator surface area of the multi pointed star shape. The Shuttle's solid rocket boosters use this method in the starter section of the rocket.
The third pattern is the typical multi ported grain that maximises surface area.
The fourth pattern produces less thrust as the burn progresses which can be ideal in certain applications.
The last pattern is another one that produces less thrust throughout its burn.
These differing grain patterns are more commonly used in solid rocket motors rather than hybrids.
Last Updated: 05-Apr-2000