Some Studies of Expansion Rings in Rocket Motors

Authors: Kleiss, Norman Jack; Kerkering, Stanley William

Year: 1946

Degree: Engineer's thesis

Advisors: Sechler, Ernest Edwin; Dunn, Louis G.

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Aeronautics

DOI: 10.7907/CD3E-ZE50

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to investigate the stresses encountered for a semicircular expansion joint for a rocket motor. Information was desired to relate these stresses to the various parameters of the problem.

The stresses involved in this design were found to approximate those indicated by the exact membrane theory. The specimen having the lesser thickness was found to agree more closely with the exact membrane theory, and gave the lowest value of stresses.

An empirical method of membrane analysis, based on deformation profiles, was developed. This method is applicable for stresses slightly above the elastic limit and may be extrapolated for higher values.

The design tested was found to be inherently unsatisfactory on the basis of tests and theoretical considerations.

An alternative design was indicated which would have lower values of stress for a given value of deformation, and which could be designed strictly on the basis of theoretical calculations.

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