Combustion of JP-10-Based Slurry with Nanosized Aluminum Additives

Abstract

Nanosized aluminum (16% by weight) was added into JP-10 and surfactant (2% by weight) was used to reduce the agglomeration of nanoparticles. Combustion of metalized fuel, as well as pure JP-10, was carried out in a small-scale combustor. The oxygen-to-fuel ratios were set to be 1.7, 1.8, and 1.9, respectively. An additional trial of water injection during combustion was also tested. The pressures at the combustion chamber and nozzle exit, along with the thrust, were measured during the combustion; and intervals of true values of the specific impulse were presented. The results showed that a relatively higher combustion efficiency was achieved with JP-10-based slurry by 3.0 to 9.0% when compared to pure JP-10. However, the specific impulse could be increased only when the combustion-induced heat release was improved enough to overcome the two-phase loss. Depositions at different positions were collected after combustion for deep analysis; and the results of the x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry analysis, scanning electron microscope, and laser light scattering were presented. A relatively high oxidation rate of the aluminum was obtained in tests without water injection, and the solid particles were mainly spherical and in dimensions of 100–300 nm. In the tests with water injection, stable combustion and increased thrust were achieved; whereas the combustion efficiency and specific impulse were deceased. And, the size of the particles was increased due to the addition of water.