Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Persistent vortex generating high regression rate solid fuel grain for a hybrid rocket engine and method for manufacturing same
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Application No.: US15262661Application Date: 2016-09-12
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Publication No.: US09890091B2Publication Date: 2018-02-13
- Inventor: Ronald D Jones
- Applicant: Ronald D Jones
- Agency: Beusse, Wolter, Sanks & Maire
- Agent John L. DeAngelis
- Main IPC: F02K9/72
- IPC: F02K9/72 ; C06B45/14 ; F02K9/14 ; F02K9/97 ; C06B21/00 ; B29C67/00 ; B33Y10/00 ; B33Y80/00 ; B33Y70/00 ; B29K55/02 ; B29K105/16 ; B29K505/02

Abstract:
An additively manufactured solid fuel grain for a hybrid rocket engine having a cylindrical shape, defining a center combustion port and comprising a stack of fused layers of polymeric material suitable for hybrid rocket fuel. Each layer is formed as a plurality of fused abutting concentric beads of solidified material arrayed around the center port. An oxidizer is introduced into the solid fuel grain through the center port, with combustion occurring along the exposed surface area of the solid fuel grain center port wall. Each concentric bead possesses a surface pattern that increases the combustion surface area and when stacked forms a rifling pattern of undulations that induces oxidizer-fuel gas axial flow to improve combustion efficiency. The port wall surface pattern persists during the rocket engine's operation as the fuel phase changes from solid to gas and is ablated.
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