Date of Award:

12-2023

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Committee Chair(s)

Stephen A. Whitmore

Committee

Stephen A. Whitmore

Committee

David Geller

Committee

Douglas Hunsaker

Abstract

This thesis describes and addresses the need for reliable ignition in small satellite hybrid propulsion systems using hydrogen peroxide. It describes process of creating custom 3D printed ABS plastic fuel grains with small amounts of catalysts. These catalysts lead to a more reliable and energy-efficient ignition of a hybrid rocked propulsion system using catalyst-infused ABS and high-test hydrogen peroxide (HTP). Hydrogen peroxide is a high-density oxidizer and therefore more volumetrically efficient for a small satellite using hybrid rocket technology when compared to gaseous oxygen (GOX). The traditional ignition methods of hybrid rocket propulsion systems using HTP are compared to and contrasted against the catalyst-infused ABS fuel grain ignition method. The data from these tests are presented and indicate an improvement in ignition energy and latency compared to pure ABS fuel.

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