Advanced Nano-Particle Fuel Gel Formulations for Tactical Bipropulsion Systems

CFD Research Corporation (CFDRC) in conjunction with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) propose to develop a fuel gel based on the Army’s most current tertiary amine MMH replacement fuel. We will develop a novel technology for the production of nanoparticles by employing the supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process. With the use of our proprietary software technology that allows us to predict the physical properties of gels in silico, we will be able to predict the properties of the gels reducing the number of gel batches necessary to obtain the desired physical properties. Current churn-mixer gelling processes will be adapted to accommodate gelling a mixture of tertiary amines with nano-sized particles to obtain a consistent and reproducible gel mixing process. Complete preliminary rheological measurements to demonstrate that the fuel gel candidates will pass the standard Army developed leak test will also be conducted. The volumetric performance of the candidates will be determined by using the Cantera thermochemical code. These formulations will have a higher volumetric performance and a lower gellant concentration than the corresponding fumed silica gel currently the baseline gel. In Phase I we will establish the feasibility of our nano-particle fuel gel technology and in Phase II we will scale-up the preparation process, conduct thorough rheological and properties characterization, and position the technology for effective Phase III transition to the Army customer.