Fundamental Modeling and Analysis for Thermal Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide

The goals of Phase I including developing a fundamental model that describes H2O2 decomposition, design strategies for developing a thermal decomposer, and an assessment of the feasibility of these strategies. Key to development of a thermal decomposer isa predictive model that prevents device burnout and peroxide detonation over a range of flow rates.The Technical objectives for developing a fundamental model of hydrogen peroxide decomposition include development of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models of decomposition and vaporization of concentrated hydrogen peroxide, obtain experimentalmeasurements of decomposition rates at high temperature and pressure for input to and verification of the CFD models, and to identify device design strategies that provide for sustained thermal decomposition under variable flow rate conditions.The CFD codes and design strategies can be used to resolve materials handling and operating issues relating to peroxide decomposition in current defense applications including MDA's airborne Laser (ABL) and Aerojet's ARRE engine development programs. Thetools developed under Phase I could also be used as preventive maintenance tools to avoid costly or catastrophic damage on critical parts and to maintain availability/readiness of these systems. Improved ability to monitor peroxide concentration and schedule critical maintenance activities for critical thermal decomposer system components therebye enhancing readiness and reliability of various missile defense systems including the ABL. Theproject will also provide a fundamental understanding of peroxide thermal decomposition that will be usefull in resolving detonation issues related to the ARRE. In addition to these specific projects, development of CFD models to describe behavior ofthermal decomposition of hydrogen peroxide would be beneficial to development of next generation peroxide stabilizers and DoD and civilian propulsion systems.