| Issue |
Volume 4, 2013
Progress in Propulsion Physics
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Page(s) | 75 - 98 | |
| Section | Chapter One. Solid and hybryd propulsion | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/eucass/201304075 | |
| Published online | 06 March 2013 | |
Time-resolved regression rate of innovative hybrid solid fuel formulations
Space Propulsion Laboratory, Aerospace Engineering Dept.
Politecnico di Milano
34 via La Masa,
Milan
20156,
Italy
Low regression rates limit application of hybrid rocket engines (HREs). In this paper, combustion of HTPB- and solid paraffin wax-based fuels is investigated in a lab-scale burner by a time-resolved optical technique. The effects of pressure are explored over the range 7 to 16 bar. Nanosized (ALEXTM , 100 nm, uncoated) and micronsized (MgB composite, 5 µm) metal additives are tested. For all runs, the instantaneous regression rate is not constant but higher at the beginning of tests. Overall, MgB performance and relatively ease of manufacturing enable to consider this additive as an interesting novel candidate to enhance hybrid rocket engines performance.
© Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2013