Reduced Actuator Set for Pressure Control and Thrust Distribution for Multinozzle Propulsion Systems

Abstract

This study investigated an approach to reduce the number of actuators used for internal pressure control and thruster allocation in a multinozzle solid propulsion system. In the proposed design, the throat areas of four divert nozzles are controlled by only three actuators, and chamber pressure maintenance and thrust distribution are achieved by controlling the throat areas. Using the proposed actuator set, thrust allocation can be accomplished in amore efficient way than when independent actuators are employed for each nozzle.