Computationally Based Design and Screening of Hypergolic Multiamines

Abstract

Seeking to identify structural features of saturated, (all) tertiary, alkyl multiamines (STAMs) that correlate with hypergolic ignition delays, conformers of STAMS whose ignition delays have been measured were established through density functional theory-based calculations. Examined from the standpoint of lone pair/(C-N and C-C) bond orientations, a correlation is suggested. Conformers of 1,3-dimethylimidizolidine (DMIZ), a notional hypergol whose synthesis and testing was originally recommended for other reasons, were therefore characterized. On the basis of the characterization, it is expected to have a short ignition delay. Moreover, estimates of DMIZ's density specific impulse indicate that its performance will be competitive with hydrazine-based fuels. The lowest energy structure of a second notional hypergol 1,3-dimethylhexahydropyrimidine (DMHHP) has a lone pair/lone pair orientation unlike any found in previously tested STAMs. The results suggest that the potential of STAMs as replacements for hydrazines in hypergolic propulsion systems may not yet be fully realized, and that the synthesis and testing of DMIZ and DMHHP should be pursued.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA433347

Entities

People

  • Darren M. Thompson
  • Michael J. McQuaid
  • William H. Stevenson

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alkanes
  • Amines
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Combustion
  • Density Functional Theory
  • Hydrazines
  • Hypergolic Ignition
  • Ignition
  • Ignition Lag
  • Molecular Dynamics
  • Nitrogen Oxides
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Rocket Engines
  • Specific Impulse

Readers

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Rocket Propulsion.
  • Systems Analysis and Design