Testing of LiAlH4 as a Potential Additive to Paraffin Wax Hybrid Rocket Fuel

Abstract

The burn rate of paraffin wax fuel was measured in air with and without addition of LiAlH4. The paraffin wax was mixed with 7-24% LiAlH4(lithium aluminum hydride) by weight. The wax was then molded into candles. The candles where lit in air, and the mass loss with time was recorded. The 24% LiAlH4 was found to enhance the burn rate of the candles by a factor of 14. LiAlH4 was found to be a suitable compound to consider as a potential additive to hybrid rocket motors. The paraffin wax/LiAlH4 was stable under conditions where the wax was solidified, re-melted, and molded at 700 C. The hydrophobic paraffin wax was found to isolate the LiAlH4 from reaction with both water vapor and upon submerging in liquid water. The paraffin wax/LiAlH4 candles stored for over a month under atmospheric conditions were lit and burned similarly to freshly made candles. The addition of LiAlH4 to paraffin wax could significantly increase the burn rate of the paraffin wax used in a hybrid motor.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 30, 2007
Accession Number
ADA475559

Entities

People

  • Brian B. Brady
  • John D. Desain
  • Ronald B. Cohen
  • Steven A. Frolik
  • Thomas J. Curtiss

Organizations

  • The Aerospace Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Additives (Chemicals)
  • Alkanes
  • Chemistry
  • Combustion
  • Fuels
  • Hydrocarbon Fuels
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Rocket Engines
  • Rocket Fuels
  • Rocket Oxidizers
  • Rockets
  • Test Methods

Readers

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