Session
Weekend Session 8: Advanced Technologies - Research & Academia II
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
Utah State University's patented High Performance Green Hybrid Propulsion (HPGHP) technology leverages unique dielectric breakdown properties of 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), allowing re-start, stop, and reignition. HPGHP works most reliably using gaseous oxygen (GOX) as the oxidizer but has experienced ignition reliability and latency issues when replaced high test hydrogen peroxide (HTP), which has a significantly higher storage density. This deficiency results from HTP's high decomposition energy barrier. Traditionally, inline external catalyst beds or GOX pre-lead burns are used to overcome this energy barrier to achieve ignition; however, the extra hardware required for these systems have inhibited their adoption into flight units for small satellite propulsion modules. The presented research replaces the external catalyst by diffusion-blending ABS with 1-2% potassium permanganate (KMNO4), and then 3-D printing fuel grains using the augmented feed-stock. The embedded catalyst allows for near-instantaneous decomposition as HTP enters the combustion chamber, releasing gaseous oxygen that, when combined with the arc-ignition energy, provides quick and reliable ignition. No preheat is required, and the infused fuel does not reduce the overall system performance. "Drop-in" design options and test results are presented for a prototype system at a1 N thrust level using 90% HTP.
Development of a KMNO4 Catalyst-Infused Fuel Grain for H2O2 Hybrid Thruster Ignition Enhancement
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Utah State University's patented High Performance Green Hybrid Propulsion (HPGHP) technology leverages unique dielectric breakdown properties of 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), allowing re-start, stop, and reignition. HPGHP works most reliably using gaseous oxygen (GOX) as the oxidizer but has experienced ignition reliability and latency issues when replaced high test hydrogen peroxide (HTP), which has a significantly higher storage density. This deficiency results from HTP's high decomposition energy barrier. Traditionally, inline external catalyst beds or GOX pre-lead burns are used to overcome this energy barrier to achieve ignition; however, the extra hardware required for these systems have inhibited their adoption into flight units for small satellite propulsion modules. The presented research replaces the external catalyst by diffusion-blending ABS with 1-2% potassium permanganate (KMNO4), and then 3-D printing fuel grains using the augmented feed-stock. The embedded catalyst allows for near-instantaneous decomposition as HTP enters the combustion chamber, releasing gaseous oxygen that, when combined with the arc-ignition energy, provides quick and reliable ignition. No preheat is required, and the infused fuel does not reduce the overall system performance. "Drop-in" design options and test results are presented for a prototype system at a1 N thrust level using 90% HTP.
