Silanes/H2O2 bipropellant system and spin-off applications

B. Hidding*, M. Pfitzner, D. Simone, C. Bruno

*Corresponding author for this work

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

Abstract

Theoretical rocket performance calculations were carried out for systems using various silicon hydrides up to the pentasilanes as fuels in combination with 98 % pure Rocket Grade Hydrogen Peroxide (RGHP) as the oxidizing agent. Chemical equilibrium compositions in the combustion chamber, nozzle throat and nozzle exit are presented and discussed with respect to variation of the equivalence ratio. Vacuum specific impulses and chamber temperatures are given in order to evaluate the rocket performance and are compared to hydrocarbon/RGHP as well as MMH/NTO bipropellant systems. The highly positive heats of formation of silanes lead to extraordinarily good theoretical performance of the system silanes/RGHP, being superior to the two more conventional systems regarding many aspects. To a certain extent, the heats of formation are also responsible for two additional, complementary possible applications, the use of silicon hydrides as high-energy hydrogen carriers for fuel cells, as well as means to easily produce thin semi-conducting, flexible, large-area silicon films with high mobilities.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Green Propellant for Space Propulsion and 9th International Hydrogen Peroxide Propulsion Conference
Place of PublicationNoordwijk, The Netherlands
EditionSP-635
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2006
Externally publishedYes
Event3rd International Conference on Green Propellant for SpacePropulsion. In combination with the 9th International Hydrogen Peroxide Propulsion Conference - Futuroscope, Poitiers, France
Duration: 17 Sept 200620 Sept 2006

Conference

Conference3rd International Conference on Green Propellant for SpacePropulsion. In combination with the 9th International Hydrogen Peroxide Propulsion Conference
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityFuturoscope, Poitiers
Period17/09/0620/09/06

Keywords

  • Bipropellant
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Silanes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Silanes/H2O2 bipropellant system and spin-off applications'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this