Reducing minimum flash ignition energy of Al microparticles by addition of WO3 nanoparticles

Abstract

Aluminum (Al) is an attractive solid fuel for rocket propulsion and energy conversion systems due to its large volumetric energy density, earth abundance, and low cost. Nonintrusive optical flash ignition is attractive for many applications due to its simplicity and flexibility in controlling the area exposed to the flash. However, flash ignition of Al microparticles (MPs) is challenging due to their higher minimum flash ignition energy, which originates from weaker light absorption and higher ignition temperature compared to Al nanoparticles (NPs). Herein, the minimum flash ignition energy of Al MPs is reduced by the addition of WO3 NPs.