Vaporizing and Endothermic Fuels for Advanced Engine Application. Part I. Preliminary Studies of Catalized Reactions and Thermal Stabilities of Hydrocarbon Fuels

摘要

Studies leading toward the development of specifications for heat sink fuels for hypersonic aircraft are reported. Consideration of the effect of design parameters on the conditions under which endothermic reactions can be carried out has led to the conclusion that space velocities of 50 or higher would be necessary due to volume limitations in high-speed aircraft. Rate considerations favor catalytic reactions. Preliminary studies of the dehydrogenation of propane to propene and methylcyclohexane to toluene were made, and dehydrocyclization of various paraffins attempted. Thermal stability studies include the modification of two types of cokers to minimize contamination possibilities and improve reproducibility. Fuels may be tested at temperatures up to at least 1000F. The thermal stabilities of samples of n-dodecane, toluene and methylcyclohexane decreased in the order named. A 25 gal/hr fuel system simulation test rig which will be used for determining heat transfer coefficients, heat sinks and product compositions has been designed. (Author)