ISRO scientists create new lightweight nozzle for rocket engines, call it ‘breakthrough’

ISRO announced a breakthrough in rocket engine technology, having developed a lightweight Carbon-Carbon (C-C) nozzle. This innovation, achieved by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), is set to enhance critical parameters of rocket engines, including thrust levels and payload capacity.

ISRO stated that the VSSC in Thiruvananthapuram used advanced Carbon-Carbon (C-C) composites to make a nozzle with top-notch features.

By using methods like carbonising green composites, chemical vapour infiltration, and high-temperature treatment, ISRO has created a lightweight nozzle with strong, durable properties, capable of maintaining its strength even in high temperatures.

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What's the special feature?

ISRO mentioned a special feature of the C-C nozzle: it has a coating made of silicon carbide, which helps it work better in environments where oxidation occurs. This makes it stronger against heat and corrosion, allowing it to handle tough conditions.

This improvement is important, especially for ISRO's main rocket, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Currently, the PS4 stage of the PSLV uses nozzles made of a metal called columbium alloy. But if ISRO switches these out for C-C nozzles, they could make the rocket lighter by about 67 per cent.

This change could let the PSLV carry 15 kg more payload into space, which is a big deal for missions.

Testing the C-C nozzle was a big step for ISRO. They did a 60-second test on March 19, 2024, at the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility in ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. This test showed that the system works well and the hardware is strong.

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"Subsequent tests, including a 200-second hot test on April 2, 2024, further validated the nozzle's capabilities, with temperatures reaching 1216 K, matching predictions," the release said.

The teamwork included the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala near Thiruvananthapuram, which planned and set up the test. The testing and execution happened at the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility in IPRC, as mentioned.

(With inputs from agencies)