Silanes as fuels for SCRJ

D. Simone*, C. Brunch, B. Hidding

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution book

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In the light of recently revived interest in SCRJ propulsion, a new look is being given at traditional and unconventional (new) fuels. Among the latter are, or could be, included hydrides. These contain hydrogen in variable amounts, suggesting their use for airbreathing applications where a much higher density (compared to that of LH2) would be beneficial. In particular, this paper deals with silicon hydrides ('silanes'), because of their interesting combustion and energetic properties as fuels for SCRJ. Silanes in combination with air seem conceptually at this preliminary stage of analysis an interesting alternative to LH 2, and perhaps also to LCEL 4, for scramjet application. Accordingly, this paper explores the practical limits of application of silanes in flight, their performance along cruiser/accelerator trajectories, and when and how they react with nitrogen. Issues associated with using silanes are discussed, as well as performance with air. Equilibrium composition of the products of combustion of silanes, from monosilanes up to pentasilanes were calculated. Ideal scramjet performance (specific thrust and specific fuel consumption) were evaluated along a constant dynamic pressure trajectory from 70,000 ft to 100,000 ft and compared to CH 4Air and H 2/Air mixtures. High Specific Thrust is obtained as the equivalence ratio is increased while, of course, the Isp trend is the reverse, but still very appealing when multiplied times the bulk density of silanes. Besides, there is evidence that certain silanes may combine not only with oxygen but also with air nitrogen. If kinetically confirmed, this feature would (in principle at least) extend the flight envelope of SCRJ powered by H 2 or LHC.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationA Collection of Technical Papers - 13th AIAA/CIRA International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies Conference
Place of PublicationReston, VA
Pages1659-1771
Number of pages113
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 May 2005
Event13th AIAA/CIRA International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies Conference - Capua, Italy
Duration: 16 May 200520 May 2005

Conference

Conference13th AIAA/CIRA International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies Conference
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityCapua
Period16/05/0520/05/05

Keywords

  • aircraft fuels
  • flight dynamics
  • propulsion

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