This work presents the design, development, and application of a laser-absorption-spectroscopy diagnostic capable providing quantitative, time-resolved measurements gas temperature HCl concentration in flames metallized composite propellants containing ammonium perchlorate (AP) hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB). utilizes quantum-well distributed-feedback diode laser emitting near 3.27 ?m...

An enthalpy-balance fuel-grain regression model is presented. The regression model, based on the longitudinally averaged fuel recession rates, is shown to accurately predict the chamber pressure, thrust and specific impulse performance of small and medium scale hybrid rocket motors. The key to the model predictions is the longitudinal enthalpy balance between the fuel grain heat of ablation and...