Thermodynamically Evaluation of Metal Fuels in Combustion Chamber of Hydroreactive Motors

The propulsive characteristics of metal fuels in a hydro-combustion chamber are investigated in a thermodynamically approach. The combustion products and other specifications are calculated by using CEA code. Thermochemistry of common metal fuels and water is studied and special focus is attempted on magnesium. Then combustion temperature and characteristic velocity of mixtures of magnesium and important solid oxidizers are investigated. Among of different compounds, hydroreaction of some fuel rich mixtures of magnesium and sodium nitrate are studied. The characteristic velocity and specific impulse of the fuel rich mixtures are presented versus fraction of water flow rate to total mass flow rate. In such combustion chamber, the maximum characteristic velocity about 1700 m/s and maximum combustion temperature about 3100 K are obtainable depending on the composition. However, the specific impulse increases with water monotonically beyond of 500 s. The main products of the hydroreaction for high amount of water are magnesium oxide, hydrogen, and steam