THERMAL IGNITION OF ADN-BASED PROPELLANTS

Abstract

Thermal igniters are attractive for ADN thrusters as they allow a more prompt ignition and are better suited for larger engines (100-500 N) compared to the currently used preheated catalysts. Two thermal ignition methods, resistive and laser, were tested with the ADN based propellants LMP-103S and FLP-106. In the tests conducted on resistive ignition, a current was discharged through a drop of propellant. Different electrodes types and voltages were tested. Laser ignition was tested by suspending a droplet in an acoustic levitator. A pulsed laser was focused so that a plasma inside the droplet was generated. Laser ignition tests were conducted with the baseline propellants as well as with variations of these propellants with increased water content.