Investigations on Powder Rocket System

Abstract

Results of investigations on powder rockets using LiAlH4 as energetic fuel are discussed. Theoretical evaluatioll of Isp shows that maximum Isp is 350sec for LiAlH₄-H₂O₂ (90% aq) system in vacuum with nozzle expansion ratio 40. Experiments of the powder rocket system are conducted to study the problems concerning to the feed system and the combustion efficiency. Tested fuel is LiAlH4: polyethylene of 1:1 mixture which is hyperbolic with H₂O₂. Firing tests with 4-5sec of duration have shown relatively smooth operation. 90% of efficiency has been derived with respect to speific impulse perform-ance despite small chamber size and low chamber pressure in the experimental conditions.