ROCKET MOTOR PRODUCED BY ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

摘要

A nozzleless hybrid rocket motor includes a fuel element that defines a combustion chamber therewithin, in which combustion of the fuel and an oxidizer occurs. The combustion gases produced by the combustion between the fuel and the oxidizer transition to supersonic flow before leaving the fuel element, eliminating the need for a separate nozzle. The fuel element may be a part of a structural element of a vehicle, for example being a part of a fuselage, wing, fairing, or other part of a space vehicle or an air vehicle, with the fuel element an integral and continuous part of the structural element. Combustion of part of the fuel element may allow vehicle structure to be used to provide thrust, such as for maneuver, consuming part of the structure. The fuel element may be made by an additive manufacturing process.