Power plants – Reaction motor – Solid and fluid propellant
Patent
1994-03-21
1995-08-08
Thorpe, Timothy S.
Power plants
Reaction motor
Solid and fluid propellant
60252, 60253, F02K 900
Patent
active
054388244
ABSTRACT:
Elemental silicon is a solid high energy material which provides an advane when added to gel, hybrid, and ducted rocket fuels by increasing both specific impulse, lsp, and density specific impulse, .rho.*lsp. The quantity added depends on the specific applications for which the formulation will be used. The usual concentration ranges from about 0.5% to about 70% by weight. The important parameters to consider during formulation are particle size, concentration, combustion efficiency, physical properties, and plume signature. Comparisons for 50% solid fuel loading in a gel bipropulsion system predicts a maximum lsp of 286 lbf.s/lbm as compared to 267 lbf.s/lbm for carbon--a 7% increase. The .rho.*lsp produced by silicon is 14.5 lbf.s/cubic inch as compared to 13.7 lbf.s/cubic inch produced by carbon--a 7% increase. A 25% solid loading in solid fuel-gas generators for the hybrid rocket produced a maximum lsp of 278 lbf.s/lbm as compared to 267 lbf.s/lbm produced by carbon--a 4% increase. The .rho.*lsp produced by silicon is 14.8 lbf.s/cubic inch as compared to 14.1 lbf.s/cubic inch produced by carbon--a 5% increase. Another advantage for silicon loaded gel fuels is the large "plateau" in the performance versus oxygen/fuel curves, and, resulting in a less stringent oxidizer-to-fuel ratio (O/F) control in an operational system.
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Asaoka Leo K.
Chew William M.
May Douglas L.
Thompson Darren M.
Lane Anthony T.
Nicholson Hugh P.
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
Thorpe Timothy S.
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