Characterization and evaluation of high energy hydrocarbon additives for paraffin-fuel hybrid rockets

Richard L. Jaffe, Arif Karabeyoglu, Brian Evans, Gregory G. Zilliac, Michael S. Sherburn

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    8 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Highly strained hydrocarbons called ivyanes are evaluated as a potential additive to boost the burn rate and Isp for liquefying paraffin hybrid rockets. Ivyanes, which consist of cyclopropane rings bonded together, were first prepared in 2011 and have promise as a High Energy Density Material (HEDM) for propulsion and combustion applications. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements were carried out on samples of ivyane and an ivyane-paraffin blend to measure phase changes and thermal stability. Quantum chemistry calculations were carried out using the G3MP2//B3LYP method to predict heats of formation and combustion for gas phase ivyanes. For validation purposes, calculations were also carried out for normal alkanes. Chemical equilibrium analysis was used to estimate the performance of ivyanes relative to paraffin for typical rocket engine scenarios. In addition, thermochemical properties of some plausible chemically modified ivyanes were modeled determine if they would improve rocket engine performance.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication49th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint PropulsionConference
    Publication statusPublished - 2013
    Event49th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint PropulsionConference - San Jose, CA, United States
    Duration: 14 Jul 201317 Jul 2013

    Publication series

    Name49th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference

    Conference

    Conference49th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint PropulsionConference
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CitySan Jose, CA
    Period14/07/1317/07/13

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