Grant: Discovery Launch Supplement

The demand for energetically improved, reliable, safer, and green propellants for advanced rocket propulsion systems has been constantly increasing over the last few decades. To address these needs, one promising technique involves transforming liquid fuel into a semi-solid gel state. Gel fuels are essentially liquid propellants whose rheological properties are modified by the addition of solid particles called gellants. Additionally, these fuels are safer because of their viscoelastic nature which tends to reduce spillage in the event of leakage. As a result, gel propellants appear to be a promising alternative for various rocket engine systems. However, stable gel fuels are invariably very viscous, difficult to flow, and atomize. These challenges should be addressed in order to develop an efficient gel propulsion rocket engine. Therefore, this research program focuses on developing an innovative thermo-reversible gelation technique for liquid propellants which will overcome the atomization issue while retaining the existing merits of the gel system. To achieve this objective, this research program is structured around four short-term objectives. First, the program will ultimately aim to develop a highly regressive kerosene gel fuel using a low molecular gelator; in the second objective, the research team will establish the thermo-reversible nature of the gel fuels through experimental rheology and microstructural analyses. The third and fourth objectives involve conducting high-pressure ignition and droplet combustion experiments to evaluate the performance of the propellants. The experimental results and analyses obtained throughout this research program will be used to develop a novel design for a gel propulsion rocket engine, intended to overcome the challenges inherent in the existing design. Throughout this program, extensive training will be provided to highly qualified personnel, which includes conducting experiments and numerical modelling, empowering them to cultivate an in-depth understanding of the concepts of advanced rocket propulsion. Furthermore, the work performed will have a direct impact on Canada's commitment to sustainable space exploration and embracing gel propulsion technology can position the Canadian space industry as a world leader in advanced propulsion systems.