Investigation of spontaneous ignition in a 100 n HTP/HTPB hybrid rocKet engine

Abstract

The aim of the work is the research on self-ignition phenomena in a hybrid rocket engine. The engine uses 98 % hydrogen peroxide as oxidizer and HTPB (Hydroxyl-Terminated PolyButadiene) as fuel. The condition, that is essential to initiate self-ignition in this system, is the application of a catalytic reactor, which enables the decomposition process of liquid hydrogen peroxide into the mixture of steam and oxygen with the temperature 800 950 deg C. The research has been based on the use of different catalyst materials as well as various configurations of catalyst beds. During the research (hot tests) the following parameters are collected: pressure and temperature at the end of the catalyst bed and the thrust of the engine. The evaluation of the ignition delay (that is counted from the start of the HTP flow) is made on the basis of the chamber pressure as well as on the video recording of the fire test.