Thermochemical Leading-Edge Stabilization with Fuel Co-Production (THELES)

Abstract

MSUÕs THELES (Thermochemical Leading Edge Stabilization with Fuel Co-Production) team strives to solve the challenges of leading edge temperature stabilization for hypersonic vehicles by using high temperature magnesioferrite-based redox materials (iron-magnesium-oxides) as thermochemical heat sinks. Magnesioferrites undergo partial thermal reduction at temperatures above 1350 ?C. This process is highly endothermic (1.5 MJ/kg) and will be used to maintain the leading edges at moderate temperatures while the reduction reaction is ongoing. Once the extent of reduction is significant and the temperature of the redox material reaches its maximal limit, liquid water, is injected into the porous reduced metal oxide. Steam is generated and subsequently heated up. At temperatures around 1000 ?C, the steam re-oxidizes the redox material and hydrogen is set free. The evolving hydrogen is co-fired in the propulsion system.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jan 06, 2020
Source ID
W911NF2010018

Entities

People

  • Joerg Petrasch

Organizations

  • Army Contracting Command
  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
  • Michigan State University

Tags

Readers

  • Electrochemical Surface Science
  • Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Technology.
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.

Technology Areas

  • Hypersonics
  • Hypersonics - Hypersonic Flight