Study of an Automatic Material Input Method for the Continuous Production of Solid Propellant by a Peristaltic Mixer

Abstract

In recent years, because development of space technology has been increasing for the purpose of improving social infrastructure, the expansion of space transportation system based on low-cost and high-frequency rockets is important. Due to the compactness, inexpensiveness, and easy-handling properties of solid propellants used in solid-fuel rockets, numerous studies on solid propellants have been conducted. However, solid propellants are highly viscous slurries and highly explosive. As there is no device capable of continuously and safely transporting the solid propellant, the process of manufacturing the solid propellant is a batch process. We focused on the movement of human intestines that knead and transport with a small force, as part of the development process. In this paper, we developed a peristaltic pump, Mk. III, for kneading a solid propellant. The pump was comprised of a heating system, an input device for the powder and fluid, and a rapid exhaust valve. An investigation into the amount of input of the raw materials was undertaken, and the tendency of kneading at the point of introduction of the powder and highly viscous fluid was determined.