Droplet combustion, microexplosion, and sooting characteristics of several energetic liquid propellants

T. X. Li, D. L. Zhu, Chung King Law

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

The combustion characteristics of droplets of four newly synthesized energetic fuels, namely, 1) 1,4-dimethyl ester cubane (which is a solid slightly soluble in conventional liquid fuels), 2) dihydrobenzvalene, 3) phenyl azide, and 4) carborane (which are all liquids), were experimentally identified and quantified. Results show that the gradual concentration and eventual condensation of dimethyl ester cubane dissolved in benzene can lead to strong droplet microexplosion; that the three liquid fuels all soot profusely, with the sooting propensity, when compared with other fuels, being in the following order: JP-10 < benzene ≈ dihydrobenzvalene < phenyl azide < carborane; and that phenyl azide additionally exhibits fast gasification rates, advanced microexplosion events, and sensitivity to halide addition. It is emphasized that a high-energy-density fuel does not automatically imply that it is fast burning, and that it must also possess desirable combustion characteristics, especially minimal sooting formation, before it can be considered for use as a jet fuel or jet fuel additive.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)45-50
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Propulsion and Power
Volume14
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Fuel Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science

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