Progress in hydrogen peroxide oxidized hybrid rocket experiments

Abstract

The experimental apparatus at Purdue University has been utilized for continued understanding of storable oxidize: hybrid rocket combustion. The testing focuses on fuel regression behavior of different molecular weight polyethylene burned with 85% stabilized hydrogen peroxide. Polyethylene from the groups of Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW), High Density (HDPE) and Low Density (LDPE) were tested in a single port grain geometry. Total port mass flux levels between 0.125 and 0.3 ibm/(in2s) were tested at identical oxidizer mass flow rates and average chamber pressure conditions (100 psia). Data from these tests were then used to determine combustion efficiency, ignition transient effects and to assess bulk combustion stability. A power law fuel regression based on total mass flux is provided for each type of polyethylene tested. It was determined that the exponent for each material type was just below 0.8, the theoretical value for turbulent flows. Limited fuel regression data is also provided for low density polyethylene at higher total mass flux levels and pressures.