Experimental study of lunar-based hybrid rocket engine

Abstract

In this paper, it was aimed to prepare a metal-based hybrid rocket engine by using elements such as magnesium and aluminum, which are abundant in lunar soil. In thermodynamic performance calculations, a mixture ratio with high specific impulse (Isp) was determined using NASA’s Chemical Equilibrium Analysis (CEA) package program, and a rigid fuel was formed from metal powders by using sodium silicate as the binding component. While determining the mixing ratio of aluminum, magnesium, and sodium silicate, the criterion that was taken into consideration was the temperature values to prevent residue formation at the combustion chamber and nozzle throat. The temperature values above the boiling points of the combustion products were tried to be obtained both in the combustion chamber and at the nozzle throat. Thus it was aimed to make a hybrid rocket engine that could be used for extended runtimes. Experimental studies of this hybrid rocket engine fuel obtained from the elements found in the lunar soil and rocks were carried out.