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ALUMINIZED TORPEDO PROPELLANTS

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 40536
Amount: $69,863.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 1998
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
240 Power Court, Suite 108
Sanford, FL 32771
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Frederick Tepper
 (407) 322-2500
Business Contact
Phone: () -
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Alex (nanosize aluminum) powder is being considered by several U. S. Navy groups as a propellant additive because it markedly increases combustion rate. Extrapolating equations for single particle combustion of aluminum shows the particle life of a 100 nanometer particle to be about 40 nanoseconds. Its small particle produces oxide that would minimize being accumulated on engine parts. Alex's rapid reaction with water also suggests its use for aluminum-sea water propulsion schemes. Alex's combustion would be enhanced by its metastable structure that provides energy in the form of a heat burst that occurs at about 400 C, causing a transformation in crystal morphology. Hydroxylamine nitrate (HAN) is a monopropellant that has been considered by the Navy as an Otto Fuel II replacement. We propose a cooperative study to support NUWC-Newport by providing samples of improved Alex compatible with stabilized HAN. We would coat Alex particles with organics that would provide increased energy over oxide passivated nano-aluminum, while shielding the aluminum from premature reaction with oxidizers such as HAN during storage. Using coated particles we would determine the feasibility of producing stable HAN-based gels. We would also develop aluminized jet fuels for potential bi-propellant systems.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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