The experiments for the enhancement of regression rate of hybrid rocket fuel

Abstract

Many studies have been conducted to increase regression rate of solid fuel in hybrid rocket. One of them resorts to swirl flow since it can extend the residence time of oxidizer in the fuel grain. Also, metal wires may lead to increase the regression rate of solid fuel as shown in solid propellants. In this study, a series of experiments was designed to investigate the enhancement of regression rate of solid fuel by embedded metal wires and by fuel port grain. And fuel port was designed with a helical configuration to attempt to induce swirl flow. PMMA with gaseous oxygen is the solid fuel used for investigation. Test results showed that embedded metal wires turned out to be ineffective method because only 3-4% increases in regression rate were observed. However, fuel port grain configuration yields higher burning performance of up to 50% increase in regression rate. Also pitch number as well as total impulse was found to be a design variable.