Analytical reagent (AR)-grade nitric acid (69.3% by mass) and lithium–aluminum–hydride (LAH) as an additive to paraffin wax are evaluated as green propellant substitutes for state-of-the-art propellants currently used for in-space propulsion. The viabilities of hypergolic ignition and ignition delay (ID) times were measured for a range of conditions, including LAH loading in paraffin and ignition test chamber pressure. A strong inverse trend between ID and pressure was observed for the reaction of AR-grade nitric acid and pure LAH. A minimum of 50% mass loading of LAH in paraffin wax was required for reliable hypergolic ignition with AR-grade nitric acid at atmospheric pressure under a pure nitrogen environment.
Hypergolic Ignition of Lithium–Aluminum–Hydride-Doped Paraffin Wax and Nitric Acid
Journal of Propulsion and Power ; 36 , 3 ; 435-445
2020-02-13
11 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch