Particle Size in Solid Rocket Motor Plume: New Experimental Method

Solid propellant rocket boosters release metal oxide particulate in the atmosphere, as a result of the combustion of the aluminum powder contained in the energetic material. The characterization of these particles is still an open question regarding the environmental impact of space launch activities. For this reason an innovative collection technique was conceived in the frame of the EMAP (Experimental Modelling of Alumina Particulate in Solid Booster) project, an activity financed by the European Space Agency. The method consists in an intrusive probe capable of quenching and capturing the particles exiting from the nozzle, thus enabling size measurement, chemical characterization, and morphology observation. This paper presents an overview of the activity and reports some preliminary results obtained from the initial particle size characterization.