How effectively does the index of hydrogen deficiency in carbohydrates used in potassium nitrate propellant affect enthalpy change and its performance?

2023/03/11 by Sebastian Grabowski, Grabowski, Sebastian
Engineering · #Chemical Physics (physics.chem-ph) #Energetic Materials and Combustion #FOS: Physical sciences #Rocket and propulsion systems research #Spacecraft and Cryogenic Technologies

paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2303.06294

openalex publication_date 2023/03/11 · openalex created_date 2023/03/16 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

This work looks at the relationship between the index of hydrogen deficiency (IHD) and the enthalpy of combustion of "sugar propellant," as well as the performance of carbohydrates with similar IHD values. The study used eight different carbohydrate sources as fuels in the propellant, combined with potassium nitrate as an oxidizer in a 35:65 ratio. The IHD of the sugars ranged from 0 (polyols) to 2 (disaccharides). Different propellant mixtures (carbohydrate-KN) were tested using calorimeters and chemical analysis. The results support the hypothesis that IHD is associated with the enthalpy of combustion of sugar propellant, with polyol reactions showing the highest enthalpy change. Moreover, carbohydrates with a higher molar mass and an IHD of 2 exhibit better performance than those with an IHD of 1.

Related

• Disaccharides as substrates and mechanistic probes for efficient carbohydrate conversion to formic acid in water near room temperature
• Effect of Boric Acid on Electronically Controlled Solid Propellants
• Effect of the nature of fuel on the characteristics of fully developed compartment fires
• Optical investigation and thermodynamic analysis of premixed ammonia dual-fuel combustion initiated by dodecane pilot fuel
• Combustion property analyses with variable liquid marine fuels in combustion research unit