The Nitrous Oxide - Propane Rocket Engine

Abstract

This work, in response to DARPA BAA 99-22, topic title " Small Scale Propulsion Systems," focused on the development of a nitrous oxide (N2o) / propane (C3H8) rocket engine (NOP), that utilizes catalytic decomposition of N20 as an ignition system for propane. This propellant combination is proposed as an alternative to the present space propulsion systems that use hypergolic or cryogenic liquids, or solid propellants. Phase I work has resulted in a successful demonstration of the key technologies associated with the development of such a propulsion system. In particular, rocket performance for the NOP propellants and catalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide were demonstrated. The work began with two parallel efforts: the experimental evaluation of rocket performance using nitrous oxide and propane as propellants, and an experimental evaluation of various catalysts for the decomposition of nitrous oxide. The development of a catalytic reactor to efficiently decompose N20 for propane autoignition was central to this research effort.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 16, 2001
Accession Number
ADA393448

Entities

People

  • Jason S. Tyll
  • Roger Herdy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Combustion
  • Heat Transfer
  • Ignition
  • Ignition Systems
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Pressure Distribution
  • Pressure Measurement
  • Rocket Engines
  • Rocket Oxidizers
  • Rockets

Readers

  • Combustion science or combustion engineering.
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster