A Rapid Scan Vacuum Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer for Untangling the Reaction Mechanisms of Hypergolic Ionic Liquids with Key Oxidizers as Advanced Space-Compliant Satellite Propellants
Abstract
Advances in ultrasonic levitation technology along with chirped-pulse stimulated droplet merging techniques opened the door to explore experimentally the fundamental reaction mechanisms involved in the oxidation of prototype hypergolic ionic liquids (HILs) with key oxidizers at an unprecedented level of detail. Ultrasonic levitation can now be exploited to prepare spatially separated, single droplets of the hypergolic ionic liquid and of the oxidizer in distinct pressure nodes prior to their chemical reaction (oxidation) initiated by droplet merging under precisely defined conditions (temperature, collision energy, volume, contact time, inert atmosphere). Time-resolved spectroscopic in situ diagnostics (Raman, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) emission, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)) along with high-speed optical and infrared imaging then allow probing the outcome of the chemical reaction in real time. The present DURIP submission requests funding for a Rapid Scan Vacuum Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (RS-VFTIR) and would be critical to the ambitious research program A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Investigation on the Fundamental Reaction Mechanisms of Cyanoborohydride Hypergolic Ionic Liquids with Key Oxidizers supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). The RS-VFTIR would be interfaced to an ultrasonic levitator. In tandem with time-resolved Raman spectroscopy (liquid phase), the new system would represent new technology and diagnostics to simultaneously trace reaction intermediates and products in the gas phase (RS-VFTIR) and in the liquid phase (Raman) thus providing new knowledge on the fundamental mechanisms involved in the oxidation of prototype cyanoborohydride (CBH) hypergolic ionic liquids (HILs) with key oxidizers (HNO3, H2O2) as advanced space-compliant satellite propellants. These findings are essential to both the Space Force and Air Force in the development of next-generation hypergolic ionic liquid-based chemical propulsion systems through pioneering, fundamental research including novel diagnostics technology and by shedding unprecedented light on the interplay between the structure of the HILs and its hypergolicity and provides insights into the mechanism of the ignition delay on the molecular level. This research strongly couples with the mission of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research supporting the research priorities of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force with respect to section A.4. CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (RTB2), subsection A.4.d. Molecular Dynamics and Theoretical Chemistry and will have a critical impact on our institution s ability to educate students through research in key disciplines- to broaden the participation of underrepresented minorities (Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders) thus making better use of a diverse, multiethnic intellectual capital, to enable access for undergraduate and graduate students to a unique technology and diagnostics relevant to DoD related research thus supporting the mission of the National Defense Strategy (NDS) to develop future leaders, and to provide new research opportunities to University of Hawaii researchers not only to build satellites, but also to be actively engaged in the development and characterization of novel, hypergolic ionic liquid bases fuel for space satellites thus furthering the mission of the Space Force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 14, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310702
Entities
People
- Ralf I Kaiser
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Hawaiʻi System