Advanced Nickel Electroforming Technology for The Regenerative Thrust Chamber of the Rocket Engine

Electroforming is one of the key technologies for the regenerative thrust chamber of the rocket engine. To use nickel electroforming method for the thrust chamber, direct electroforming of nickel on cupper and the welding method between different materials are needed. Minimizing the internal stress is one of the important factor for making thick electroforming,. Also minimizing contamination(ex. Sulfur containing compound) is another important factor for the stability of quality. This paper includes advanced methods for thick nickel electroforming, those of strength test results and EDS/EPMA inspection results. Advanced for electroforming process makes the achievement of Electro-beam welding between Inconel718(Manifold) and Nickel Electroforming. This paper also includes the influence of the electroforming precipitation angle on strength. Thus advanced electroforming improvement processes and the test results make achievement for manufacturing of the regenerative thrust chamber with direct nickel thick electroforming on cupper materials.