Experimental investigation on the reignition devices using 3D printed fuels

Abstract

The authors are developing a safe, low-cost, compact, and lightweight reignition device to provide reignition capability to a hybrid kick motor as a propulsion system for small satellites. So far, only HDPE has been used as a solid fuel for the reignition device, with which the desired results have not been obtained. In this study, we measured the amount of gasification of fuel due to the radiant heat of glow plugs using multiple filaments for 3D printing, with the aim of identifying suitable replacement materials for HDPE. A total of more than 100 experiments, including preliminary experiments, revealed that HDPE was the least suitable fuel for the reignition system. On the other hand, it was found that Carbon Fibered PLA is the most effective as it has a large amount of fuel gasification and can maintain the fuel shape.