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Surface Structure of Reacting Solid Ramjet Fuels

Journal Article · · Journal of Propulsion and Power
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2514/1.b39281· OSTI ID:2569704
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [2]
  1. California State Univ. (CalState), Long Beach, CA (United States)
  2. Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
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Solid fuel ramjets are a developing technology that will enable extended range for supersonic vehicles. The simplicity of the system in terms of moving parts results in the performance being dictated by the solid fuel combustion processes. The physics near the surface, particularly in the fuel-rich recirculation zone, are challenging to resolve due to flow opacity. Here, regression rate measurements of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene from a miniature, portable slab burner are reported. Mass-averaged regression rates agree with correlations from the literature, suggesting that the proper physics in the burner are captured. Synchrotron-based phase-contrast imaging is used to quantify local surface features, including a multiphase froth layer, molten polymer transport, and local regression rate measurements in the recirculation zone. Regression rates near the inlet are less than the mass-averaged values, whereas near the reattachment point the local value exceeds the mass-averaged values. Further, the observed froth layer is as large as 2 mm near the inlet and decreases to sub-millimeter thicknesses near the reattachment point. An analytical heat transfer model is used to quantify the influence of the surface froth layer on the regression rates. Results indicate that the froth layer has an insulating effect and will reduce the local regression rate.
Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States). Advanced Photon Source (APS)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of the Navy, Office of Naval Research (ONR); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Scientific User Facilities (SUF)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
2569704
Journal Information:
Journal of Propulsion and Power, Journal Name: Journal of Propulsion and Power Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 40; ISSN 1533-3876; ISSN 0748-4658
Publisher:
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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