Historical trajectory, current status, and future challenges of powder engines and propellant supply technologies: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Powder engine as a novel type of engine using high-energy metal powder as fuel and gas, liquid, or solid as oxidizer. These engines exhibit remarkable adaptability, flexible thrust regulation, and multi-pulse start-stop, which have significant application potentials in the fields of near-Earth space development, space propulsion systems, and deep-sea exploration. The scope of this review encompasses the classification and application of powder engines, the classification of powdered fuel supply systems, and the prospective trajectories and pivotal challenges of powder engines and fuel supply technologies. This work points out that although certain ground-based experimental challenges on powder engines have been solved, the relative technology remains in the nascent stages of feasibility demonstration and testing. The pneumatic and motor-driven piston methods currently dominate as the primary means for supplying fuel, and the structure of the piston and intake should be further optimized in the future to promote fuel fluidization and delivery efficiency. The adaptability of powder engines and powdered fuels under different pre-treatment and loading methods should be evaluated. Furthermore, the stability of powdered fuel delivery across varying operational environments, the accuracy of CFD modeling, and the precision of mass flow rate measurement and prediction technologies necessitate further enhancement and refinement. These advancements are crucial for the maturation of powder engine technology and its integration into practical applications.