Microwave Ignition of HAN-Based Monopropellants

This SBIR program will demonstrate the potential of microwave dielectric heating to ignite the USAF developed HAN-based monopropellants.Complex permittivity measurements on a series of HAN-based monopropellants will be carried out to identify the frequency region for maximum microwave absorption. Microwave dielectric heating experiments in the frequency region of maximum absorption willbe performed to establish a relationship between microwave power requirement and sample volume for ignition for a given monopropellant. The developed microwave ignition technology for HAN-based monopropellants will provide an enabling technology for many military and commercial applications. The commercial applications include communications and imaging satellites, companions to largesatellites to provide surveillance and inspection capabilities such as to monitor and assure proper deployment of solar panels.