Indigenous Stellite Nozzle Divergent for PSLV
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: News on Air
Context: ISRO has successfully tested an indigenous Stellite (KC20WN) alloy nozzle divergent for the PSLV’s fourth stage, replacing imported Columbium (C103) and achieving a 90% cost reduction.
About Indigenous Stellite Nozzle Divergent for PSLV:
• What is a Divergent Nozzle?
• The divergent nozzle is the flared section of a rocket engine that accelerates exhaust gases to generate thrust. It experiences extreme thermal and mechanical stress during rocket operation, often exceeding 1100°C.
• The divergent nozzle is the flared section of a rocket engine that accelerates exhaust gases to generate thrust.
• It experiences extreme thermal and mechanical stress during rocket operation, often exceeding 1100°C.
• Why is the Divergent Nozzle Important?
• It controls thrust direction and speed, crucial for stabilizing and guiding the rocket during ascent. Material failure here can lead to mission-critical losses.
• It controls thrust direction and speed, crucial for stabilizing and guiding the rocket during ascent.
• Material failure here can lead to mission-critical losses.
• Old Material Used: Columbium (C103), a rare, heat-resistant metal, previously imported, was used in PSLV’s fourth-stage nozzle.
• New Material Developed:
• Stellite (KC20WN), a cobalt-based alloy enriched with Chromium, Nickel, Tungsten, and Iron. Developed and tested indigenously at ISRO’s Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri.
• Stellite (KC20WN), a cobalt-based alloy enriched with Chromium, Nickel, Tungsten, and Iron.
• Developed and tested indigenously at ISRO’s Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri.
• Significance of Using Stellite:
• Self-reliance: Eliminates dependence on costly foreign imports. Cost Efficiency: Achieves up to 90% cost savings compared to Columbium-based nozzles. Strategic Autonomy: Strengthens India’s aerospace supply chain and boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat in space technology. Future Missions: Paves the way for indigenous components in launch vehicles, satellites, and deep-space missions.
• Self-reliance: Eliminates dependence on costly foreign imports.
• Cost Efficiency: Achieves up to 90% cost savings compared to Columbium-based nozzles.
• Strategic Autonomy: Strengthens India’s aerospace supply chain and boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat in space technology.
• Future Missions: Paves the way for indigenous components in launch vehicles, satellites, and deep-space missions.