Fluorine rocket engine demonstrators

Paper number

IAC-06-E4.3.04

Author

Mr. Christophe Rothmund, Snecma, France

Year

2006

Abstract

Studies on fluorine propellants in France were initiated in 1962. They were essentially focused on combustion studies of various propellants combinations. In 1964, a dedicated test facility for fluorine combustion chambers was built at Snecma Vernon. This facility was to be able to accept thrusts of 700 N. 

Due to the high toxicity of the selected propellants, the test facility design was selected to ensure a maximal safety : the area had its own water-tower, propellant storage was absolute leak-tight, exhaust gas were to be neutralized. During tests, water was pulverized in these tunnels, cooling and partly dissolving the exhaust gases. A column then neutralized the gases (using potassium carbonate), a common chimney venting the neutralized vapors into the atmosphere The water was reprocessed in order to avoid all toxic rejects in the environment.

Inaugurated in 1965, over 200 tests were performed, but the whole operation was abandoned due to the high toxicity and complexity of fluorine propellants, especially when compared with oxygen/hydrogen. The facility was then stripped of all its fluorine related equipment and demolished.

This paper will summarize :
- the initial feasibility activities, 
- the design of experimental combustion chambers, 
- the design of a dedicated test facility, 
- the environmental concerns that were used as design prerequisites for test facilities design,
- the tests performed,
- test results and appraisals
- the conclusion of the activity and its consequences.

And will also give insights into the organization and the philosophy used for these demonstrations : a philosophy that is now commonly applied when designing new test facilities and when studying new technologies. As such, the flurine facility was a pioneer on these two areas : breaking ground on new propellants and ensuring ‘zero environmental impact’ of tests with toxic compounds.

Abstract document

IAC-06-E4.3.04.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-E4.3.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.