Research progress on the forming process of composite rocket nozzle preforms

Abstract:

As a core component of rocket and missile engines, the forming process of composite nozzle preforms directly determines the performance and reliability of the final product. The design flexibility of composite materials has resulted in numerous forming techniques for rocket nozzle preforms, but a systematic summary is still lacking. This work reviews three typical forming processes (1D winding, 3D needling, and 3D braiding), comparing their principles, technical features, and key factors affecting preform quality. The advantages and limitations of different processes are discussed in depth, the types of components suitable for each process are clarified, and we offer a brief outlook on future development in composite nozzle preform manufacturing. This study provides a comprehensive reference for selecting suitable forming processes for composite rocket nozzle preforms. It offers technical support for the high-performance application of composite materials in high-end aerospace power equipment and helps drive the upgrading and iteration of next-generation aircraft power systems.