High Regression Rate, High Density Hybrid Fuels

This SBIR program will investigate high energy density novel nanofuels combined with high density binders for use with an N2O oxidizer. Terves has developed processes for stabilizing advanced high Isp fuels, such as LiBH4 to make them stable in thermoplastic binders such as PE. If they combust efficiently and have suitable regression rates and stability, These materials can provide hybrid Isp's above 300 and density Isp's above 450 seconds with self-pressurizing N2O oxidizers, enabling very low cost propulsion systems to be designed. This program will fabricate ultrafine- and nano- metal boride and hydride fuels, disperse them into high density binders, and evaluate their combustion efficiency in a hybrid test motor More »