Project Title:
Monolithic, Noble-Metal Catalysts for Hydrogen-Oxygen Thrusters
11.10-0236
911955
Monolithic, Noble-Metal Catalysts for Hydrogen-Oxygen Thrusters
Ultramet
12173 Montague Street
Pacoima
CA
91331
Robert H.
Tuffias
818-899-0236
JSC
NAS9-18698
232
11.10-0236
911955
Abstract:
Monolithic, Noble-Metal Catalysts for Hydrogen-Oxygen Thrusters
Catalytic igniters offer the potential for excellent reliability and simplicity for
use with the diergolic bipropellant hydrogen and oxygen. State-of-the-art catalytic
beds--noble metals on granular pellet carriers--are currently limited by carrier
stability, which limits the hot-fire temperature, and by poor thermal response due
to the large thermal mass. Questions remain with regard to longevity and reliability
of these catalysts. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating monolithic
catalysts beds that overcome the limitations of current catalytic igniters. The approach
is an innovative combination of unique developments in chemical- vapor-deposition
iridium coatings and chemical-vapor- infiltration refractory ceramic foams. Successful
development of monolithic catalytic igniters would greatly improve upon the state-of-the-art,
enhancing performance and reliability while reducing cost and weight. Reduced weight
is the principal advantage of catalytic ignition over other alternatives, such as
spark torch or hypergolic ignition. For small thrusters, such as auxiliary propulsion,
the igniter weight is critical, but larger engines that make use of multiple igniters
in a baffled configuration and upper stage engines with multiple restart capability
would also realize a weight savings benefit from this technology.
A simple, reliable, lightweight igniter for hydrogen and oxygen can be applied to
a wide range of engine sizes, from relatively small auxiliary propulsion and vernier
control thrusters to large, baffled, multiple igniter engines, and upper stage, multiple
ignition engines.
monolithic catalysts, igniters, rocket engine, iridium, ceramic foam, chemical vapor
deposition/infiltration (CVI), hydrogen/oxygen (H2/O2)