Thermal Stability of Energetic Hydrocarbon Fuels for Use in Combined Cycle Engines

Abstract

Greater ease of use and higher density make energetic hydrocarbon fuels an attractive alternative to cryogenic fuels. The use of high-energy hydrocarbons in rocket and combined-cycle propulsion systems is being explored. In addition to its obvious use for propulsive purposes, fuel is used to cool system structures regeneratively to temperatures commensurate with presently availablematerials. Fuel thermal stability unfortunately limits theuse ofhydrocarbonfuels.Inthepresentcontribution,thethermalstabilityofRP-1,JP-10,andquadricyclaneisassessed using a system for thermal diagnostic studies. It is found that, whereas JP-10 and RP-1 exhibit reasonable thermal stability,thehighly strainedquadricyclanerapidlydegradesunderhigh-pressure,condensed-phasethermalstress.