HIGH THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY CATALYSTS FOR ENDOTHERMIC FUEL REACTIONS

Aircraft designed for flight in the Mach 3-6 range must incorporate active cooling in the turbo-ramjet propulsion system. The required cooling can be provided by endothermic reactions of the fuel prior to its combustion. Endothermic fuel reactions require a catalyst. Previously developed catalysts for endothermic fuel reactions are supported on low thermal conductivity materials which makes it difficult to heat the catalysts. Consequently, heat transfer to the catalyst is a major problem in the design of endothermic fuel reactors. TDA Research proposes to investigate new catalysts for endothermic fuel reactions. These catalysts have very high thermal conductivity as well as the potential for lower cost and better high-temperature stability then previously developed catalysts.