EVALUATION OF THE COMBUSTION OF A LIGHT METAL HYDRIDE GELLED FUEL WITH SELECTED OXIDIZERS.
Abstract
Two bipropellant systems were evaluated in a 1000-lb-thrust test engine at 290 to 370 psia chamber pressure: (1) the TNM/MMH baseline system; and (2) the TNM/BeH2(20%) + MMH(80%) candidate system. System (1) yielded an average c* efficiency of 96% and an average Isp efficiency of 87% over a mixture ratio range of 1.6 to 2.9. In the same engine configuration, System (2) yielded an average c* efficiency of 96% and an average Isp efficiency of 84% over a mixture ratio range of 1.5 to 2.5; at a mixture ratio of 1.08, the c* and Isp efficiencies were 88% and 80% respectively. Estimated chamber temperatures in the 1.5 to 2.5 mixture ratio range were above the melting point of BeO(2820K); the estimated chamber temperature at a mixture ratio of 1.08 was below the BeO melting point. Thus, it is believed that System (2) is dependent upon temperature as the determining factor in the oxidation of beryllium. The difference between average baseline and candidate system Isp efficiencies is attributed to two-phase nozzle flow. A batch of 80/20 wt% TNM/TFH oxidizer blend was prepared for the next series of test firings without incident. During the transfer of this blend from the oxidizer blend mix tank to the test facility oxidizer run tank, a detonation of the oxidizer occurred, resulting in fatalities to three test personnel and severe damage to the test facility. An extensive investigation into the cause of this incident is being conducted. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0377306
Entities
People
- R. F. Chaiken
- R. J. Fraser
- S. D. Rosenberg
Organizations
- Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings