Physical and Ballistic Characterization of AlH3-based Space Propellants

Abstract

Experimental and numerical analyses of laboratory-type composite solid rocket propellants based on α-AlH3 are presented. Chemical and physical properties of this innovative energetic ingredient are discussed, ballistic properties experimentally evaluated, and flame structure compared with the corresponding aluminized propellants. Numerical 2D and 3D simulations of the subsequent two-phase flow in supersonic nozzles are reported. The obtained results overall disclose a competitive performance of α-alane-based propellants with respect to aluminized propellants and encourage its use in space applications