Investigation of Ceramic, Graphite, and Chrome-plated Graphite Nozzles on Rocket Engine

The use of ceramic material for rocket nozzles and the effectiveness of preventing oxidation and erosion of graphite nozzles by chrome-plating the internal surface were investigated. A supported ceramic nozzle, cracked by initial operation, was operated a second time without further cracking or damage. Chrome-plating the internal surface of graphite nozzles effectively prevented oxidation and erosion that occurred during operation with unprotected graphite.