Solid Rocket Motor Technical Report Downloads

Performance Analysis of the Ideal Rocket Motor

Performance Analysis of the Ideal Rocket Motor, by Martin Summerfield. High Speed Aerodynamics and Jet Propulsion, Vol XII - Jet Propulsion Engines, Liquid Rocket Engines Chapter, pages 439-460, Princeton University Press, 1959. Published under contract to the United States government, after 10 years (in 1969) entered the public domain.

One of the best textbook chapters ever written covering the derivation of the ideal rocket motor thrust equation. The full derivation of the ideal rocket motor thrust equation, specific impulse, characteristic velocity, nozzle exit pressure as a function of nozzle expansion ratio, all are covered in extensive detail. After nearly 40 years the fundamental equations and the clarity of the technical writing have withstood the test of time. Includes Foreword by Charles E. Rogers from when this material was republished in the January 1997 issue of High Power Rocketry magazine.

Departures from Ideal Performance for Conical Nozzles and Bell Nozzles, Straight-Cut Throats and Rounded Throats

Departures from Ideal Performance for Conical Nozzles and Bell Nozzles, Straight-Cut Throats and Rounded Throats, by Charles E. Rogers, High Power Rocketry magazine, Vol. 35, No. 7, October 2004, pages 24-54, and Vol. 35, No. 8, November 2004, pages 14-35.

A summary of this technical article can be found here:

The full technical article can be downloaded here:

Erosive Burning Design Criteria for High Power and Experimental/Amateur Solid Rocket Motors

Erosive Burning Design Criteria for High Power and Experimental/Amateur Solid Rocket Motors, by Charles E. Rogers, High Power Rocketry magazine, Vol. 36, No. 1, January 2005, pages 16-37.

A summary of this technical article can be found here:

The full technical article can be downloaded here: