Testing of a novel propulsion system for micro air vehicles

Abstract

The Combustion and Environment Group of the Propulsion and Performance Department at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency proposed a bipropellant (H²O² and hydrocarbon fuel) hybrid rocket-turbine engine for micro air vehicle (MAV) propulsion. A prototype bipropellant system was designed, built and tested to assess the full benefits of the rocket part of this type of engine. The operating parameters of the prototype engine were compared with predictions obtained in an earlier feasibility study. A considerable amount of knowledge on the usage and performance of H2O2 has been gained from these experiments. The test results show good agreement with predictions made in the feasibility study. Heat loss from the nozzle and ignition of the fuel are identified to be major problems which must be overcome before the engine can be developed into a viable propulsion system for MAVs.

Keywords

unmanned air vehicle hydrogen peroxide novel propulsion micro engine

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Andrews

Advantage of hydrogen peroxide as a rocket oxidant. J Br. Interplanet. Soc, 1990, 43 (7).

Cheung

W. S.

Tilston

J. R.

Hydrogen peroxide based propulsion system for micro air vehicle applications. In 14th International Symposium on Air Breathing Engines, Florence Italy, 5–10 September 1999, paper ISABE99–7278.

Orchard

Fiddick

M. J.

Experimental testing and computer model validation of a 20N bipropellantthruster. In Proceedings of CNES/ES A Spacecraft Propulsion Conference, Toulouse, France, November 1994.

Paushkin

Ya. M.

The Chemical Composition and Properties of Fuels for Jet Propulsion, 1962 (Pergamon).

Harlow

Hydrogen peroxide engines: Early work on thermal ignition at Westcott. In 2nd International Conference on Hydrogen Peroxide Propulsion, Purdue University, West Lafayette Indiana, 7–10 November 1999.

Long

M. R.

Beutien

Birkbauser

Reinson

Rusek

J. J.

Characterisation of the propulsive decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. In 2nd International Conference on Hydrogen Peroxide Propulsion, Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana, 7–10 November 1999.

The light stuff. Engineering, May 1999, 49–52.

Brown

Sellers

J. J.

Paul

Practical experience with hydrogen peroxide hybrid rocket. In 1st International Conference on Hydrogen Peroxide Propulsion Surrey University, Guildford, 29–31 July 1998.

Haag

Experimental investigation of performance variance of HTP with several catalyst materials. In 2nd International Conference on Hydrogen Peroxide Propulsion Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 7–10 November 1999.

10.

Humble

Liquid hypergolic bipropellant engine system development using methanol and hydrogen peroxide. In 2nd International Conference on Hydrogen Peroxide Propulsion Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 7–10 November 1999.