Investigation on the regression rate and structural integrity for additively manufactured polylactic acid nested skeleton for hybrid rocket motor

Ismail, Izham Izzat and Mahat, Yusuf and Abdul Razak, Firdaus and Azami, Muhammad Hanafi (2026) Investigation on the regression rate and structural integrity for additively manufactured polylactic acid nested skeleton for hybrid rocket motor. Journal of Aeronautics, Astronautics and Aviation, 58 (9). pp. 1631-1640. ISSN 1990-7710

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Official URL: https://www.airitilibrary.com/Article/Detail/P2014...

Abstract

The low regression rate of conventional hybrid rocket motors (HRM) remains a significant challenge. Paraffin wax has emerged as a promising hybrid rocket fuel due to its high regression rate. However, its weak mechanical properties limit its practical application. To address this, the study embeds a 3D-printed skeleton within the paraffin grain to serve as a secondary fuel and enhance the grain's mechanical properties. Various 3D printed skeleton designs, including Tri-Hexagon, Hilbert curve, and Octagram spiral patterns, were fabricated from PLA and evaluated. The research focuses on assessing the mechanical and ballistic performance of these designs through compression tests and static firing tests. Key findings show that the Hilbert curve design demonstrated significant improvements, with a 50.48% increase in Young's modulus and a 20% increase in the regression rate compared to pure paraffin. Overall, the armored grains showed enhancement in both mechanical and ballistic properties, with increases in Young's modulus ranging from 50.48% to 138.75% and regression rates from 11.43% to 20%. These results highlight the armored grain's potential as a robust solution for hybrid rocket applications, combining improved mechanical strength with superior combustion performance.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	PLA, Hybrid Rocket, Armored Grain
Subjects:	T Technology > TL Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics > TL780 Rockets
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Mechanical Engineering Kulliyyah of Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr Muhammad Hanafi Azami
Date Deposited:	09 Oct 2026 10:00
Last Update:	09 Oct 2026 10:00
Queue Number:	2026-10-Q5482
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/131766
Indexed In:	SCOPUS, Google Scholar

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