Gel/solid bipropellant propulsion system with energy management

Abstract

A gel/solid bipropellant propulsion system employs fuel-rich combustion gs from a solid gas generator and an oxidizer gel in a highly efficient combustion chamber wherein the fuel-rich combustion gases and the oxidizer gel are each metered through a vortex injector into a combustion chamber to produce a hypergolic reaction. The solid gas generator (SSG) has a preferred composition of glycidly azide polymer (GAP). The GAP SSG is composed of GAP diol and/or triol polymerized with a di-or tri-function isocyanate, such as isophorone diisocyanate. The gel/solid bipropellant propulsion system comprises the SSG in combination with an oxidizer storage/extrusion vessel system, a combustion chamber system, and a system controller which controls initial ignition of the SSG to produce fuel rich combustion gas which pressurize the system. The system controller monitors pressures and flow rates of fuel and gel oxidizer. System shut-down is achieved by closing valves in fuel-rich combustion gases supply line, gel oxidizer supply line, and a pressurization line to gel oxidizer storage/extrusion vessel. A blow-down line is opened to de-pressurize the SSG container which extinguishes the SSG. When start up is desired, a reignition shut-off valve is reopened which permits the injection of the gel oxidizer from the line retained under pressure and achieves reignition of the SSG.