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Publication

Aluminum-enhanced filament for additively manufactured hybrid rocket fuel

Dorrell, Trey
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Abstract

This poster presents the impact of aluminum powder additives on Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) filaments for additively manufactured fuel grains for hybrid rockets, which combine solid fuel with liquid oxidizers for safer handling. Aluminum integration into ABS aims to enhance thrust and efficiency, potentially rivaling solid and liquid rocket performance. The research involves designing, fabricating, and testing hybrid motors with aluminum-infused ABS fuel grains, using Nitrous Oxide as the oxidizer. Standardized fuel grains of 54 mm diameter are produced via additive manufacturing for consistent testing. Experiments on a hybrid rocket test stand measure thrust and specific impulse, comparing aluminum-enhanced ABS to pure ABS and traditional materials. Preliminary results suggest significant performance gains, underscoring the potential of advanced materials in improving hybrid rocket propulsion and safety. This work contributes to aerospace engineering by demonstrating the benefits of material innovation in propulsion systems.

Date
2024-04-16