Optimal Fuel Gel Formulations

Propellant gels offer a promising way to simultaneously increase safety of operations and enhance performance. Gel viscoelastic properties minimize leaking and slosh during storage yet allow flow on demand. Use of energetic gellants can increase density specific impulse performance. Clever formulation of propellant gels based on sol-gel science can optimize gel properties. The proposed work will design and characterize fuel gel formulations for the Army’s bipropellant rocket engines. The fuel gels will consist of an azide fuel and a polymer-nanoparticulate gellant. Rheological and thermal characterization of the samples will guide the design process. The results will demonstrate the ability to apply theory to ‘dial in’ the viscoelastic properties that will provide the safety and IM benefits and improved performance.