Theoretical analysis on applying steam reforming to the primary combustion of the boron-based fuel-rich propellant

Abstract

The primary combustion products of boron-based fuel-rich propellant contain a significant amount of condensed boron, which poses challenges for complete burnout of the primary combustion products during the secondary combustion process. To enhance the ignition and combustion characteristics of these primary combustion products, a pioneering theoretical analysis on applying steam reforming to the primary combustion of the boron-based fuel-rich propellant was conducted. The results demonstrate that steam reforming improves the ignition and combustion characteristics of the primary combustion products through three main aspects: optimizing the composition of combustion products, improving energy distribution between the primary combustion and secondary combustion process, and elevating combustion temperature, respectively. It theoretically confirms the feasibility of this innovative combustion organization method for solid rocket scramjet. Furthermore, it has been found that there is an optimal steam-fuel ratio (the value is 1.0 for B35), which facilitates the conversion of combustible components in the primary combustion products from a gas–solid state to a pure gaseous phase. Simultaneously, the temperature of combustion products after steam reforming reaches the highest. Therefore, theoretically speaking, the steam-fuel ratio of solid rocket scramjet with steam reforming should not exceed the optimal steam-fuel ratio to ensure better ignition and combustion characteristics of the combustion products after steam reforming. This analysis provides valuable theoretical support for the design of solid rocket scramjets with steam reforming.