Jeph explains SRB’s

This podcast was created by on July 23, 2009

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Jeph explains SRB’s

One of our very talented and intelligent listeners has started a podcast series on some frequently asked questions. This one focuses on the SRB’s or Solid Rocket Boosters. Thanks Jeph!

  1. Brian Simmons says:
    July 26, 2009 at 3:36 am

    Jeph,
    Awesome job helping out me and the rest of the newbs to this community. Common explanation for the common listener. Jeph’n-credible

    Reply
  2. time_miner says:
    July 26, 2009 at 3:59 am

    thanks once again jeph…

    Reply
  3. KaiYves says:
    July 28, 2009 at 9:45 pm

    So that’s what Jeph’s voice sounds like…

    Reply
  4. SEG says:
    August 29, 2009 at 7:53 pm

    Just figured I’d clarify: The SRB fuel grains mostly contain an oxidizer (ammonium perchlorate) and fuel (mix of several metals and polymers) mixed together.

    This is in contrast with the Shuttle’s liquid propellant, where the fuel (liquid hydrogen) and oxidizer (liquid oxygen) are separated from each other.

    When the SRB is lit, it has all the ingredients mixed in are ready to burn, and will do so until the fuel is gone.
    (Jeph described the depressurization charges — the fuel will still burn, but the burn won’t be controlled within the combustion chamber — ie it explodes)

    On the other hand, the liquid oxygen/hydrogen mix is controlled by valves — more or less fuel/oxidizer is released into the combustion chamber, which will vary your thrust. By the same token, removing all fuel or oxidizer from the chamber will stop any combustion.

    Reply
  5. TI994A says:
    December 12, 2009 at 11:25 pm

    There is one problem with SRB's that I NEVER here anyone talking about. When there is a failure with liquid propellant, there is an explosion and the propellant quickly burns up/vaporizes in a matter of seconds. With Solid fuel failures you have big chucks burning debris that continue to burn like coal for several minutes. If you have a manned vehicle like Ares 1 and attempt to use an escape system, the parachute will get eaten up by flying debris from solid rocket fuel chunks being thrown around in every direction. There is no escape system that can carry a capsule far enough away from the explosion to prevent this.

    Reply