Graphite bearing for thrust nozzle of rocket engine - has spherical outer contour to fit in similar graphite housing for movement by jacks

摘要

The thrust nozzle (5) of a rocket engine is mounted in a ring (9) of graphite with a spherical external contour. The ring fits in a matching outer ring (10) also of graphite. The nozzle is actuated by four jacks (11) so that the efflux can be directed at an angle of up to 7.6 degrees in any plane. A composite form of pyrolytic graphite is used which is known as carbon-carbon in which a matrix of one type of carbon is reinforced with fibres of a different type of carbon. This material provides a bearing which can operate up to 2200 deg. centigrade without the need for close manufacturing tolerances.