Testing and modeling liquefying fuel combustion in hybrid propulsion

Faculty of Aerospace Engineering Technion ― Israel Institute of Technology Haifa 32000, Israel

Abstract

Hybrid motors are considered an alternative for space launchers due to their safety and high energetic performance. Nevertheless, classical hybrid combustors employing polymeric fuels are characterized by a low fuel regression rate resulting in low thrust levels that may not be adequate. This research presents experimental investigation and theoretical model of liquefying (paraffin-based) fuels, featuring high regression rates. The model developed includes an additional feature and mass loss mechanism, i. e., the liquid melt flowing along the grain. The test results exhibit a good correlation with the model predictions.