Development and modeling of a dual-frequency microwave burn rate measurement system for solid rocket propellant

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dc.contributor.authorFoss, David T.en
dc.contributor.committeechairRoby, Richard J.en
dc.contributor.committeememberO'Brien, Walter F. Jr.en
dc.contributor.committeememberDancey, Clinton L.en
dc.contributor.departmentMechanical Engineeringen
dc.date.accessioned2014-03-14T21:50:28Zen
dc.date.adate2012-11-21en
dc.date.available2014-03-14T21:50:28Zen
dc.date.issued1989-06-05en
dc.date.rdate2012-11-21en
dc.date.sdate2012-11-21en
dc.description.abstractA dual-frequency microwave bum rate measurement system for solid rocket motors has been developed and is described. The system operates in the X-band (8.2-12.4 Ghz) and uses two independent frequencies operating simultaneously to measure the instantaneous bum rate in a solid rocket motor. Modeling of the two frequency system was performed to determine its effectiveness in limiting errors caused by secondary reflections and errors in the estimates of certain material properties, particularly the microwave wavelength in the propellant. Computer simulations based upon the modeling were performed and are presented. Limited laboratory testing of the system was also conducted to determine its ability perform as modeled. Simulations showed that the frequency ratio and the initial motor geometry (propellant thickness and combustion chamber diameter) determined the effectiveness of the system in reducing secondary reflections. Results presented show that higher frequency ratios provided better error reduction. Overall, the simulations showed that a dual frequency system can provide up to a 75% reduction in burn rate error over that returned by a single frequency system. The hardware and software for dual frequency measurements was developed and tested, however, further instrumentation work is required to increase the rate at which data is acquired using the methods presented here. The system presents some advantages over the single frequency method but further work needs to be done to realize its full potential.en
dc.description.degreeMaster of Scienceen
dc.format.extentxii, 96 leavesen
dc.format.mediumBTDen
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdfen
dc.identifier.otheretd-11212012-040224en
dc.identifier.sourceurlhttp://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-11212012-040224/en
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10919/45962en
dc.language.isoenen
dc.publisherVirginia Techen
dc.relation.haspartLD5655.V855_1989.F677.pdfen
dc.relation.isformatofOCLC# 20432493en
dc.rightsIn Copyrighten
dc.rights.urihttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/en
dc.subject.lccLD5655.V855 1989.F677en
dc.subject.lcshRockets (Aeronautics) -- Fuelen
dc.subject.lcshSolid propellant rockets -- Combustionen
dc.subject.lcshSolid propellantsen
dc.titleDevelopment and modeling of a dual-frequency microwave burn rate measurement system for solid rocket propellanten
dc.typeThesisen
dc.type.dcmitypeTexten
thesis.degree.disciplineMechanical Engineeringen
thesis.degree.grantorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universityen
thesis.degree.levelmastersen
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Scienceen

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