Hydrodynamic Instability Induced Non-Catalytic Thermal Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide solutions

It is proposed that the thermal decomposition of highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide solutions (HTP) can be facilitated by the introduction of hydrodynamic instability in the hydrogen peroxide solution. Instability in the hydrogen peroxide solution canbe accomplished by bubbling argon gas through the hydrogen peroxide solution. Flow of gas bubbles through the hydrogen peroxide solution will set agitation and thereby cause a dissipation of kinetic energy per unit mass of the fluid. This dissipation ofturbulent energy will provide sufficient heat for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The dissipation rate of enrgy will depend on the bubble flow rate through the fluid medium. In order to acieve a further increase in dissipation energy in thefluid, sound wave frequency (20KHz) will be applied to the fluid and in the presence of bubbles. Due to cavitation effect and disintegration of bubbles, there will be an enhancement of energy dissipation rate in the hydrogen peroxide solution. Thepurpose is to show the feasibility of decomposing hydrogen peroxide solutions both by theoretical analysis and by conducting experimentations. Upon sucessful completion of the Phase-I project, a prototype decomposer will be designed, which can be used inconjunction with a rocket motor for its final performance evaluation. Hydrodynamic instability induced non-catalytic thermal decomposition will allow its use for its simplicity in safe handling and better control over the traditional catalyticdecomposition of hydrogen peroxide processes. The lower operating cost due to the elimination of metal catalysts and the ease with safer handling with control activation, will attract wider uses of HTP for its commercial as well as military applications.