학술논문

Development and Optimization of a Catalytic Thruster for Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition
Document Type
article
Source
Journal of Aerospace Technology and Management. March 2014 6(1)
Subject
Satellite propulsion
Hydrogen peroxide
Mixed oxide catalyst
Catalytic bed optimization
Language
English
ISSN
2175-9146
Abstract
Hydrogen peroxide is a non toxic, low cost, green monopropellant with a significant potential for applications in satellite microthrusters. It presents a density-specific impulse similar to hydrazine. A new bulk mixed oxide catalyst for decomposition of hydrogen peroxide has been developed and tested in a 2 N thruster with modular parts, allowing the use of catalytic beds with different diameters and lengths. A method of experiment design with a star configuration was implemented to optimize the catalytic bed geometry, in order to yield complete peroxide decomposition, reduce thruster size and volume and provide maximum thrust.