Dual-Oxidizer Metallized Solid Propellants for Low-Cost Space Access

Paper number

IAC-06-C4.P.3.02

Author

Dr. Luigi T. DeLuca, Politecnico di Milano, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Derek Tomasi, Politecnico di Milano, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Daniele Signoriello, Politecnico di Milano, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Saul Levi, Politecnico di Milano, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Stefano Cianfanelli, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Valery P. Sinditskii, Russia

Coauthor

Dr. Valery A. Babuk, Russia

Coauthor

Dr. Gennady F. Klyakin, Russia

Coauthor

Dr. Alexander B. Vorozhtsov, Russia

Year

2006

Abstract

Experimental results are reported from a joint international research effort regarding the combustion features of aluminized solid rocket propellants based on dual mixes of inorganic crystalline oxidizers (Ammonium Nitrate AN and Ammonium Perchlorate AP).  A coordinated campaign of laboratory testing was carried out to investigate the relevant processes of thermal decomposition, ignition, steady burning, aggregation, agglomeration, and condensed-phase products.  Both raw and phase-stabilized AN mechanically mixed to AP, as well as AN+AP co-crystals, were tested as oxidizer.  On the basis of the collected experimental data, a general physical picture of combustion of aluminized solid propellants based on dual-oxidizer mixes of ammonium salts is portrayed.  The dominant role of condensed phase in the combustion of all tested mixtures, with different contribution of heat feedback from the gas phase, is pointed out.  The activation energy for AN decomposition is shown to be strongly reduced by adding suitable catalysts, binder, and AP.  Using bimodal Al fuel (20 percent nano + 80 percent micro) in turn yields a sensible increase of steady burning rate without much affecting the pressure sensitivity.  Ways of changing the amount and size of agglomerates are determined.  The dual oxidizer AN+AP system effectively behaves as a single oxidizer with AP providing high burning rates and low PDL.  Nominal specific impulse and density are only slightly affected, while HCl pollution is substantially shrinked.

Abstract document

IAC-06-C4.P.3.02.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-C4.P.3.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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