Kinetic Studies of Metal Combustion in Propulsion
Abstract
Advanced propulsion system designs require quantitative understanding of the temperature-dependent kinetics of the gas-phase oxidation reactions of the metallic fuel components. To this end experimental rate coefficient measurements have been made on aluminum and boron species, in the 440-1830 K temperature range, in a high-temperature fast-flow reactor (HTFFR). Results are reported for the following individual reactions: Al + N20; A10 + C12; A10 + HC1; A10 + CH4; A1C1 + C 02; A1C1 + N20; A1C1 + HC1; BC1 + C02; BC1 + N20; BC1 + SO2. The reaction products are discussed. For several series of homologous exothermic reactions correlations are established between the activation barriers and the sums of the s-p (or sigma-pie) promotion energies and the ionization potentials of the metallic reactants minus the electron affinities of the oxidants. These series are the reactions of alkali metal atoms with N20, group 2 and transition metal atoms with N20, boron group atoms with N20, and A1C1, BC1, BF and BH with 02, C02, N20 and S02. These correlations are explained on the basis of chemical resonance theory. Calculations based on this semi-empirical approach are shown to agree well with experiment. Combustion Kinetics, Ramjets, A10, BH, High Temperature, AlCl, BC1, Solid Rocket Propulsion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 17, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA250207
Entities
People
- Arthur Fontijn
Organizations
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute