Non-Catalytic Microwave Ignition of Green Hydrazine Replacements (Ver. 1)

Abstract

The F-16 uses a form of hydrazine (H-70, 30% diluted by water) to power their Emergency Power Units (EPUs). Green monopropellants, such as AF-M315E, offer greater performance, no special handling protection, and are denser than hydrazine. However, AF-M315E and other HAN-based monopropellants require a heated catalyst to react. The time needed to bring the catalyst up to temperature bars its use in the F-16's EPU. Thus, to implement AF-M315E as the new emergency fuel source aboard the F-16, an alternate method of ignition was explored in this program. The research objective was to validate the proof of concept for the instantaneous ignition of green monopropellants such as AF-M315E using focused microwave energy to provide a green drop-in replacement for the EPU on F-16 aircraft.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 25, 2020
Accession Number
AD1151714

Entities

People

  • Teresa Finke

Organizations

  • Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerospace Industry
  • Air Force
  • Amplifiers
  • Auxiliary Power Units
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Combustion
  • Combustion Chambers
  • Electric Fields
  • Electric Propulsion
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Flow Rate
  • Fuel Tanks
  • Green Propellants
  • High Altitude
  • Ignition
  • Ignition Systems
  • Ionic Liquids
  • Low Temperature
  • Power Amplifiers
  • Propellants
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Solid Rocket Oxidizers

Readers

  • Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Engineering.
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Rocket Propulsion.