Design and Analysis of Solid Rocket Composite Motor Case Connector Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

The connector is an essential component in the solid rocket motor case (SRMC), and its weight and performance can directly affect the blasting performance of SRMC. Considering the lightweight design of these structures, fiber-reinforced composite materials are used for the major components. In this study, the finite element analysis of the SRMC connector was performed. The lay-up design and structure optimum design of the connector were studied. Furthermore, the strain distribution on the composite body was compared with experimental measurements. The results demonstrate that the calculated value of the final preferred solution was within the allowable range, and at least 31% weight loss was achieved, suggesting that the performance of the optimum design was optimized. The comparison between the finite element calculation and the test results suggests that the design was within the allowable range and reasonable.