Effect of Activated Charcoal on the Performance of Hybrid Rocket Motor

Abstract

AbstractIn the present study, attempts were made to study the effect of activated charcoal (AC) on performance of hybrid rocket motor with polyvinyl chloride–di-octyl phthalate (PVC–DOP) as solid fuel. Activated charcoal at 1, 2 and 5% mass fractions was added to PVC–DOP. The regression rate and combustion efficiency of the PVC–DOP/AC fuel combinations were determined using laboratory-scale hybrid rocket motor with gaseous oxygen as oxidizer. The results showed that among the fuel combinations studied, PVC–DOP with 1% AC exhibited the highest improvement in regression rate as well as combustion efficiency. The excessive char formation was observed as the mass fraction of AC increases and this causes the reduction in performance of hybrid rocket. Additionally, the mechanical properties were studied and TGA analysis was also conducted for the PVC–DOP/AC fuel samples.KeywordsHybrid rocketRegression rateCombustion efficiencyActivated charcoalPVC–DOP solid fuel