Electrolytic igniter e.g. torch igniter, for monopropellant rocket engine, has electric supply circuit to support electrode with respect to potential of another electrode, such that dissipation of electrical power causes temperature rise

摘要

The igniter has an electric supply circuit to support a central electrode (5) at the potential comprised between 50 and 1000 volt with respect to the potential of another electrode of an injector (2), such that dissipation of electrical power in a free monopropellant jet causes temperature rise, to cause a spontaneous decomposition of an electrically conducting monopropellant and production of combustion gas (14). A main fuel injector is placed near the central electrode for injecting the monopropellant jet in a main combustion chamber. The electrically conducting monopropellant comprises an aqueous solution of nitrate such as hydroxylammonium nitrate, ammonium dinitramide and hydrazinium nitroformate, and fuel such as alcohol or triethanol ammonium nitrate, soluble in water. One of the insulation parts comprises ceramic block made of boron nitride and alumina.