Scientists at Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) have developed a physical model for studying the ignition processes of gel-like self-igniting fuel for the aerospace industry.
The new fuel is planned for use in space and emergency systems where instant ignition without an external energy source is required. It will have improved energy, operational, and environmental characteristics.
The model describes the ignition sequence using tetramethylethylenediamine and concentrated nitric acid as examples, considering the energy of the droplets upon collision. The research allows predicting the behavior of gel-like components and provides a basis for safe and efficient scaling of processes in real propulsion systems.
The results obtained illustrate the fundamental patterns of the ignition process of hypergolic (self-igniting) fuels. Their transfer to the operating conditions of real power plants requires careful verification of the laws of conservation when scaling the parameters of self-igniting systems. This is important for maintaining a controlled, and therefore safe and efficient, combustion process.
This is important because such studies allow creating more efficient and safer fuels for spacecraft, accelerating the development of aerospace technologies and increasing their environmental friendliness.
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