Improving the Combustion Performance of a Hybrid Rocket Engine using a Novel Fuel Grain with a Nested Helical Structure

Overview

This article presents a novel technique utilizing a solid fuel grain with a nested helical structure to enhance the combustion performance of hybrid rocket engines. The helical structure ensures that the fuel grains maintain their integrity throughout the combustion process.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

• Combustion performance
• Hybrid rocket engines
• Fuel grain design

Background

• Improving combustion efficiency is crucial for hybrid rocket engines.
• Traditional fuel grains may degrade during combustion.
• Novel structures can potentially enhance performance.
• Different material compilations can be explored for fuel grains.

Purpose of Study

• To develop a fuel grain design that improves combustion performance.
• To investigate the durability of helical structure fuel grains during combustion.
• To assess the applicability of this method to various material compositions.

Methods Used

• Preparation of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) substrate using 3D software.
• Saving the 3D substrate structure as an STL file.
• Importing the structure into 3D slicing software.
• Conducting combustion tests to evaluate performance.

Main Results

• The helical structure fuel grains showed improved combustion performance.
• Fuel grains maintained their structure throughout the combustion process.
• The method can be adapted for different material formulations.

Conclusions

• The novel helical structure enhances the combustion efficiency of hybrid rocket engines.
• This approach offers a promising avenue for future fuel grain designs.
• Further research can explore additional material compositions for optimization.

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