High-Performance Fuels

ORBITEC and SRI propose to develop a high-performance fuel to replace monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) and hydrocarbon based fuels. The new fuel will have higher energy-density, increased storability, be non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, and provide better compatibility and sensitivity than current MMH and hydrocarbon fuels. The proposed fuel will have performance in excess of IHPRPT phase III requirements. The families of compounds under consideration should have greater heats of formation, lower volatility, and lower toxicity than MMH, an important consideration for potential terrestrial applications. Their reduced volatility will make them safer to handle and pose less inhalation hazards than MMH. The energetic functionality of these materials and the presence of secondary or tertiary amines should provide short ignition delays. In Phase I, physical properties and performance of the specific identified compounds will be measured or determined using molecular modeling and other methods to provide data for candidate fuel rankings. Hot-fire and ignition delay tests plans for Phase II will be developed and initial synthesis of several candidate compounds will begin. During Phase II, down-select to the optimum candidate will result in an advanced fuel that will be hot-fired in a liquid rocket engine with GOX and LOX, or as a possible monopropellant.