UCLA Hybrid Rocket with Steel Case Burnthrough

May 20, 2023
Prometheus is UCLA Rocket Project's junior level hybrids team, sometimes described as a precursor towards the longer duration bipropellant projects. Due to the relative simplicity of hybrid motors in terms of hardware and development, Prometheus is able to test and fly nitrous hybrid motors for annual competitions alongside high power projects.
Hybrids may be simple when it comes to hardware, but rocket combustion remains complex. The Prometheus team have faced lateral case burnthroughs on their hybrid motors before, such as last year, when the team switched over from aluminum to steel for better survivability. This quick fix may not prove to be a lasting solution to the burnthrough problem, especially with the hit to mass efficiency, and a redesign may be necessary. The long fill and pressurization time have also proven to be a strain on operations during the summer, and it was after last year's hybrid tests that my cameras were modified for high temperature environments. If these issues could be addressed alongside a case survivability revision, then the rocket would be much more competitive, but it would require some focused engineering by the new engineers, as well as the funding to support it.

[@trangdo5006]

I see my nephew 👏🏼👏🏼😍😍👍🏼👍🏼very great job UCLA team. 🌟🌟🌟So excited😍😍

[@bbrockert]

This is aerospace, it's not a burn through, it's a "novel time-delayed thrust port design providing best in class attitude divert capabilities".

[@danglesg]

Awesome 🚀🚀🚀

[@winstonsmith478]

Greater erosive burning at the N2O injector end leading to premature loss of casing insulation provided by the solid fuel grain?

[@DerekHonkawa]

A reasonable guess to make considering the location. If I remember correctly, the team had come to the conclusion that it was caused by a localized weak spot in the fuel grain since they attempted to ignite this exact grain before. The failure was right at the igniter location.

[@mathiaslist6705]

where the leaks on purpose?

[@user-qo4hc6jf1l]

And first of all use steel pipes cover with nitted wire mesh around and what is that black smoke chamber Reduse it shorter and 12 mm thick close up inside by hole 4 inch and away the trust like sand watch shape stainless steel

[@qubalabHD]

I am willing to see on a real rocket, like stacked up together.