TikurFlare

Active Thrust Control for Solid motors
“Real-time thrust control for solid-propellant rockets where second chances do not exist.”
How It Works Prototype Design

About The Project

Addressing the fundamental limitations of traditional solid rocket motor technology with an innovative thrust control solution.

The Problem

Traditional solid rocket motors suffer from inherent limitations that compromise mission flexibility and safety:

  • Once ignited, combustion cannot be stopped or controlled
  • Fixed thrust profile determined during manufacturing
  • No ability to adapt to changing mission requirements
  • High risk due to irreversibility of operation
  • Limited precision in trajectory control

Our Solution

TikurFlare introduces real-time thrust modulation for solid-propellant rockets through active Thrust Control, maintaining the simplicity and reliability of solid motors while adding unprecedented mission flexibility.

Enhanced Reliability

Robust mechanical design ensures consistent performance under extreme conditions.

Precision Control

Millisecond response time for precise thrust adjustments during flight.

Mission Safety

Reduces risk through controllable thrust and abort capabilities.

Maintains Simplicity

Preserves the inherent simplicity of solid rocket motor design.

How It Works

The TikurFlare system employs a multi-faceted approach to achieve real-time thrust control in solid rocket motors.

Variable Throat Principle

Adjusting the nozzle throat diameter directly controls chamber pressure, which in turn regulates thrust output according to the relationship Pc ∝ (At)-1/n.

Movable Throat Mechanism

Precisely engineered leaf system with inner and outer leaves creates a dynamically adjustable throat area while maintaining structural integrity.

Flow Disturbance Control

Strategic throat gaps generate controlled flow disturbances that reduce effective throat area without requiring full mechanical closure.

Closed-Loop Feedback

Real-time pressure and temperature sensors provide data to the control algorithm, which actuates the throat mechanism with millisecond precision.

Prototype Design

Engineering a robust, high-temperature capable system for practical implementation.

Nozzle Integration Diagram

TikurFlare Nozzle Assembly

System Specifications

The TikurFlare prototype integrates directly into the nozzle section of solid rocket motors, featuring:

  • Dual-Layer Leaf System: inner and outer leaves for precise control
  • High-Temperature Materials, erosion-resistant materials
  • Mechanical Actuation: Electromechanical system for rapid response
  • Modular Design: Adaptable to various motor diameters and thrust classes
  • Thermal Protection: Integrated cooling channels and insulation layers

Technical Challenges Addressed

The design overcomes significant engineering obstacles including high-velocity particle erosion, and maintaining actuation precision under extreme g-forces.

Team Members

The multidisciplinary engineering team behind TikurFlare.

Mohammed Lawgalet

Chief Executive Officer

Jinenus Berhane meskel

Chief Marketing Officer

Haben Lelisa

Chief Research Officer

Abdellah Jibril

Chief Technical Officer

Henok Yared Bekele

Chief Operations Officer

Future Work

Research and development roadmap for advancing TikurFlare technology.

Thrust Increase Capability

Investigating mechanisms for temporary thrust augmentation using the variable throat system for mission-critical maneuvers.

Reapplicable Insulation Layers

Developing multi-use thermal protection systems that maintain effectiveness across multiple firings for reusable applications.

Advanced Testing & Validation

Comprehensive ground and flight testing programs to validate system performance across operational envelopes and environmental conditions.

Contact

Get in touch with the TikurFlare research team for collaboration or inquiries.

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Project Information

The Active Thrust Control represents a significant advancement in solid rocket motor technology, enabling real-time thrust control for enhanced mission flexibility and safety.

For technical inquiries or collaboration opportunities, please use the contact form or reach out to our team directly.

Project Email: tikurflare@kuessc.com