Clay Nozzles (Rocket Motor)

A rocket motor’s nozzle is the part of the motor through which the exhaust gases escape. A nozzle can be made of steel, graphite, ceramic, or any material with the necessary hardness and resistance to heat. The nozzles in these motors are made from a dry-rammed mixture of clay. grog, and wax. It is inexpensive and easy to form, and it has the hardness and the refractory properties needed to retain its shape during motor operation. Because a rammed, clay nozzle becomes an integral part of the casing during the motor building process, and because it experiences substantial erosion during motor operation, a clay nozzle cannot be reused. It must be discarded along with the casing after the motor has been fired.