Study of hypergolic ignition of hydrogen peroxide and ethanol catalytically promoted

• Grant number: 14/23149-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2015
• End date: January 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Aerospace Engineering - Aerospace Propulsion
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Vieira
• Grantee: Ricardo Vieira
• Host Institution: Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this work is to develop an analytical and experimental database of a hypergolic couple with low toxicity and high thrust density consisting of rocket grade hydrogen peroxide as oxidant, and promoted ethanol with catalysts as fuel. Firstly, the physical and chemical processes leading to the hypergolic ignition of liquid propellants will be studied. Secondly, it will be verified the applicability of traditional vaporization and ignition theories to the ignition of a catalytically promoted fuel with hydrogen peroxide. An experimental program will take place using high-speed imaging to evaluate the effects of catalysts and promoters on ignition delay. Finally, the analytical and experimental results should yield useful information for the fabrication and testing of a 50 N thruster operating with a catalytically promoted ethanol-based fuel, and rocket grade hydrogen peroxide. (AU)