Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1992-1995
Title: Innovative Contributions of Douglas L. May in Fuel Technology
Introduction
Douglas L. May, an accomplished inventor based in Huntsville, Alabama, has made significant advancements in fuel technology through his innovative patents. With a total of three patents to his name, he has contributed notably to the development of high-energy additives for various fuel applications.
Latest Patents
One of Douglas L. May's most recent patents involves the use of silicone as a high-energy additive for fuel gels and solid fuel-gas. This patent showcases elemental silicon as a solid high-energy material that enhances the performance of gel, hybrid, and ducted rocket fuels by improving specific impulse and density specific impulse. The formulation's effectiveness varies based on specific applications, with concentrations ranging from about 0.5% to 70% by weight. The results reveal impressive improvements; for example, in a gel bipropulsion system with 50% solid fuel loading, a maximum specific impulse of 286 lbf.s/lbm is achieved compared to 267 lbf.s/lbm with carbon, marking a 7% increase.
Another noteworthy patent details a solid fuel ducted rocket with gel-oxidizer augmentation propulsion. This propulsion system features a glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) solid fuel generator that produces fuel-rich hot gases, leading to enhanced performance in the combustion chamber of a ducted rocket. By augmenting this basic embodiment with inhibited red fuming nitric acid (IRFNA) gel oxidizer, higher thrust during flight can be achieved, particularly during boost and dash stages.
Career Highlights
Douglas L. May's contributions originate from his association with the United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army. Through this affiliation, he has been able to direct his innovative efforts toward enhancing the performance of fuel technologies critical to propulsion systems used in military applications.
Collaborations
During his career, Douglas has collaborated with notable individuals such as Leo K. Asaoka and William M. Chew. Their combined expertise has likely contributed to the successful development and implementation of various advanced fuel technologies.
Conclusion
Douglas L. May's innovations in fuel technology reflect a commitment to enhancing propulsion efficiency and performance. His patents provide valuable insights and practical solutions that could influence future developments in both military and aerospace industries. As he continues his work, the impact of his contributions is expected to resonate throughout the field of propulsion technology.