Promotion mechanism analysis of metal hydride on the energy release characteristics of B/JP-10 suspension fuel

Abstract

B/JP-10 suspension fuel is a novel high energy density fuel with great development potential. However, it faces the problem of incomplete energy release. In this study, metal hydride was first introduced as a solution. Thermogravimetric thermal analysis was conducted to analyze the effect of different metal hydrides and LiH presents the best performance with an optimal amount of 10 %, which can reduce the initial reaction temperature of boron from 789 °C to 638.4 °C. The effect of LiH on the combustion characteristics of B/JP-10 suspension fuel was studied with a CO2 laser ignition experimental system. It was found that with the addition of 10% LiH, the combustion of boron and JP-10 in the suspension fuel are both enhanced and the oxygen content in the residue is increased from 3.84% to 63.23%. Combined with thermodynamic calculations, the promotion mechanism of LiH on the energy release characteristics of B/JP-10 suspension fuel was obtained as: ① The oxidation of LiH occurs under lower temperature and releases heat to increase the local temperature; ② The decomposition products H2O and Li2O can react with B2O3 to destroy the oxide layer of boron particles; ③ The generation of radicals can initiate the chain reaction of JP-10 decomposition and oxidation.