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On the Optimization of GAP‐based Ducted Rocket Fuels from Gas Generator Exhaust Characterization
Author(s) -
Ringuette Sophie,
Dubois Charles,
Stowe Robert
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
propellants, explosives, pyrotechnics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.56
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1521-4087
pISSN - 0721-3115
DOI - 10.1002/1521-4087(200106)26:3<118::aid-prep118>3.0.co;2-0
Subject(s) - gas generator , exhaust gas , carbon monoxide , rocket (weapon) , exhaust gas recirculation , carbon fibers , soot , environmental science , materials science , hydrogen , combustion , aerospace engineering , waste management , chemistry , engineering , composite material , composite number , biochemistry , organic chemistry , catalysis
Abstract The performance of a ducted rocket motor depends greatly on the composition of the exhaust products from its solid fuel gas generator. A series of experiments has been conducted to characterize the exhaust of GAP/carbon gas generator fuels as a function of pressure and grain formulation. Fuel samples were ignited in a closed vessel and gases collected for further analysis using gas chromatography. The major gaseous components identified in the exhaust stream were nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon monoxide while the condensed phase was found to be a carbon‐rich soot. The relative amounts of each major component depended greatly on the chamber pressure and the precise formulation used, thus providing a simple means of optimizing the exhaust composition to maximize the performance of the ducted rocket propulsion systems.