Characterizing Reaction Dynamics and Decomposition Pathways of New Solid Fuels for SCRAMJET and RAMJET Combustors
Abstract
This project will use the proposed pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometer (PyGCMS) instrument for fundamental studies of the thermal decomposition pathways, ignition, combustion efficiency and flammability characteristics of novel solid fuels covering a range of polymers and ignition aides to include sulfonated and fluorinated materials. At a fundamental level, the ignition behavior of the solid fuel in air-breathing engines is dependent on the species produced during thermal decomposition and pyrolysis. Thus, it is desirable for the solid fuel to decompose into a significant fraction of low ignition temperature species. Measurement of the species of decomposition is critical in understanding the fuel ignition and flammability behaviors and the proposed instrument will enable this understanding. Fundamental research with an instrument of this type has been the focus of recent research-related graduate education at UAH. A University of Alabama in Huntsville research program currently funded by DoD involves researching and characterizing new solid fuel formulations to determine their self-ignition properties, regression rates, and combustion efficiencies. Characterization of the combustion efficiencies of new solid fuel formulations can be accomplished by sampling the gas in the existing UAH solid fuel combustor with a probe. A gas sample will be collected for mass spectroscopy analysis by transferring gases from the ramjet combustor to a sample cylinder via cryo-pumping. By modifying the PyGCMS instrument with a port to directly inject the sample gases into the mass spectroscopy instrument, we plan to detect all of the mass fragments in the gas sample. This modification is a special configuration regarding the installation of the instrument at the UAH laboratory. This measurement will be useful in determining the concentration of the unburned fuel remaining in the combustion gases, thereby giving a direct measurement of combustion efficiency in heated airflow environments. The instrument system will be integrated into current and proposed research at UAH to provide new insights into solid fuel ramjet/scramjet formulations that promote self-ignition chemistry, improved combustion efficiency, and practical properties for air-breathing systems including U.S. Army Long Range Precision Fires.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110300
Entities
People
- Robert Frederick
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Alabama in Huntsville