The creation of a lightweight Carbon-Carbon (C-C) nozzle for rocket engines by ISRO is a significant advancement in rocket engine technology. Launch vehicle payload capacity is expected to increase as a result of this innovation by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), which is expected to improve critical rocket engine parameters like thrust levels, specific impulse, and thrust-to-weight ratios.
In an effort to produce a nozzle design with remarkable qualities, VSSC has continued its ground-breaking work in space exploration by utilizing cutting-edge materials like Carbon-Carbon (C-C) Composites. It has created a nozzle with low density, high specific strength, and exceptional stiffness that can maintain mechanical qualities even at high temperatures by using techniques including chemical vapor infiltration, high-temperature treatment, and carbonization of green composites.
The unique silicon carbide anti-oxidation coating of the C-C nozzle is a crucial component that increases its operating range in oxidizing situations. This invention allows for higher operating temperature limitations in harsh situations by enhancing corrosion resistance and reducing thermally generated strains.
The study could have a big impact, especially for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the workhorse launch vehicle of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Currently, the PS4, the fourth stage of the PSLV, has twin engines with Columbium alloy nozzles. However, a mass decrease of about 67% can be obtained by substituting C-C counterparts for these metallic diverging nozzles. With this replacement, the PSLV’s payload capacity is expected to rise by 15 kg, which is a significant improvement for space missions.
A significant achievement for ISRO was the successful testing of the C-C nozzle divergence. An assessment of the system’s hardware integrity and performance was made during a 60-second hot test on March 19, 2024, at the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility in the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri. The nozzle’s capabilities were further confirmed by additional testing, which included a 200-second hot test on April 2, 2024, during which temperatures reached 1216K, as expected.
The test was planned and constructed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at Valiamala, while IPRC, Mahendragiri, handled the instrumentation and test execution at their HAT facility.
