Extendable rocket motor exhaust nozzle

摘要

An extendable exhaust nozzle for rocket motors that can be deployed from a stored compact position to an extended position. The interior surface of the nozzle is provided with a thin layer of a nickel-titanium alloy that is characterized by its ability to revert back to its original shape, subsequent to being deformed. The alloy is applied to the nozzle surfaces while in extended form, and then the nozzle is folded and stored. It can then be deployed to its extended shape at any time by heating the nozzle.