Experimental Investigation and Modeling of Paraffin-Based Fuels in Hybrid Propulsion

摘要

Hybrid motors are considered an alternative for space launchers dueto their safety and high energetic performance. Nevertheless, classicalhybrid combustors employing polymeric fuels are characterized by a lowfuel regression rate resulting in low thrust levels that may not be adequate.This research presents experimental investigation and theoretical model ofliquefying (paraffin-based) fuels, featuring high regression rates. Inaddition to plain paraffin a mixed fuel consisting of a polymeric binder andparaffin (wax) particles has been prepared and tested, showing superiorperformances to plain paraffin. The model developed includes anadditional feature and mass loss mechanism, i.e., the liquid melt flowingalong the grain. The test results exhibit a good correlation with the modelpredictions.