Nano-Ignition Torch Applied to Cryogenic H2/O2 Coaxial Jet

Abstract

A high-pressure photoignition torch has been developed which takes advantage of the photoignition properties of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The goal was to initiate combustion in a cryogenic O2-H2 coaxial injector at about 35 atm (~520 psi) at O2 temperature of about 130 K with SWNT-based solid fuel mixtures. Our investigation includes the effects of chamber pressure, the presence of different solid oxidizers such as BKNO3 and KMnO4, as well as solid fuels and solid propellants, on the functionality of the photoignition torch. We have shown that the ignition parameters such as burn temperature, burn duration and the ignition byproducts can be tailored to meet different ignition requirements. It is anticipated that photoignition provides a suitable method for ignition of systems that require the start of combustion at a high pressure up to about 135 atm (2000 psi) as well as ignition of certain thrusters and liquid rocket engines that require an extremely small and light weight torch igniter. This ignition method can be applied to large combustion chambers such as gas turbines, gas generators, liquid rocket engines and possibly multi grain solid rocket motors.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 04, 2016
Accession Number
AD1010695

Entities

People

  • Alireza Badakhshan
  • David Forliti
  • Douglas G. Talley
  • Ivett Leyva
  • Stephen Danczyk

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Biomedical
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Carbon Nanotubes
  • Chambers
  • Combustion
  • Combustion Chambers
  • Energetic Materials
  • Fuels
  • Fullerenes
  • High Pressure
  • Ignition Lag
  • Ignition Systems
  • Light Sources
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Propellants
  • Rocket Fuels
  • Solid Propellants

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies
  • Petroleum Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster