Rheological, optical, and ballistic investigations of paraffin-based fuels for hybrid rocket propulsion using a two-dimensional slab-burner

Abstract

This paper describes combined rheological, ballistic and optical analyses performed on paraffin-based mixtures that can be used as high regression rate hybrid rocket fuels. Experimental activities have been done at the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion in Lampoldshausen and at Space Propulsion Laboratory (SPLab) of Politecnico di Milano. This paper describes in detail the experiments performed at the DLR. Viscosity, surface tension and regression rate of the fuels have been determined. Furthermore the combustion was evaluated by optical measurements. Data collected so far indicates an increasing regression rate for decreasing viscosity of the liquid paraffin.