UNIVERSAL HIGH-PRECISION THRUST STAND FOR SOLID ROCKET MOTOR STATIC FIRE TESTS

The article presents the development of a universal thrust measurement system for static fire tests of solid propellant rocket motors (SRMs) with thrust up to 5 tons-force (tf). The relevance of creating low-cost and high-precision test stands is substantiated in the context of the growing need for the development of solid propellant boosters for UAVs and small rocket systems, as well as the limited access to industrial experimental facilities. The design of the mechanical part, which includes modular movable mounting rings for engines with a diameter of 50-300 mm and a length of up to 1.5 m, is described. Particular attention is paid to the measurement system, which, based on a three-axis load cell scheme, allows determining not only the thrust magnitude but also the spatial characteristics of the thrust vector: the deflection angle and the coordinates of the point of application, which is critical for assessing perturbing factors during launch. The results of metrological analysis and calibration of the load cells using the stepwise loading-unloading method are presented, which made it possible to achieve a total measurement error of 0.17%, lower than the sensors' datasheet specifications. Experimental data obtained during the tests confirmed the stand's functionality and its ability to record dynamic changes in engine operating parameters. The developed system can serve as a foundation for the verification of numerical models and the further development of laboratory infrastructure.