A short review of challenges and prospects of boron-laden solid fuels for ramjet applications

Abstract

This short review article explores the advancement, challenges, and prospects of boron-laden solid fuel for ramjet. The energetic aspect of boron combustion is well known, but the complications associated with its efficient combustion persist and must be overcome to harness its potential completely. The strategies like coating, adding additives, and utilizing boron nanoparticles, which may improve its combustion performance, are widely studied. The latest development in advanced rocket propulsion systems, i.e., using a hybrid fuel-based gas generator for ducted rockets or air augmentation of hybrid rockets, seems a feasible idea; as it can provide two-stage combustion, which may significantly promote and improve the combustion performance of boron hence the specific impulse. Since it utilizes hybrid fuel, it retains its advantages of it as well as its drawbacks. To mitigate these drawbacks, various strategies/suggestions are briefly discussed here. A fundamental aspect of boron combustion must be fully understood and addressed for its applications in advanced propulsion systems.