Waterless Electrically Operated Propellant for Space Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically operated propellants face challenges due to water content, which can boil or freeze in space environments, leading to inoperability and compatibility issues with materials, especially in space propulsion applications, and volatility in other applications like airbag inflators.
Innovation Solution
Development of electrically operated propellants that are substantially waterless, using ionic liquids, polyelectrolytes, or a combination thereof, as electrolyte sources, along with polymeric binders and optional perchlorate oxidizers, eliminating aqueous solvents to maintain stability and functionality across varying temperatures and pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If aqueous solvents are used in electrically operated propellants, then the propellants can be easily formulated and processed, but they become inoperable in space environments due to water boiling or freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the solvent system from aqueous to non-aqueous (ionic liquid-based). This parameter change eliminates water-related issues (boiling/freezing in space) while maintaining the liquid state and ionic conductivity necessary for electrical operation. The ionic liquid serves as both solvent and electrolyte, providing a stable medium that operates reliably across the temperature and pressure ranges encountered in space applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite propellant system combining ionic liquids with polymeric binders and metal fuels. This composite approach integrates multiple functions: the ionic liquid provides ionic conductivity and acts as electrolyte, the polymeric binder provides structural integrity and binding, and the metal fuel provides combustion energy. This composite material system achieves both ease of formulation and operational reliability in space environments.
2Ease of operation
If water is present in propellants, then the propellants can maintain fluidity and ionic conductivity, but they experience volatility and compatibility issues with materials
Solution Approach 1:
The ionic liquid acts as an intermediary substance that provides ionic conductivity without the harmful properties of water. It mediates between the need for electrical conductivity (for ignition and control) and the need for stability (no volatility or material compatibility issues). The ionic liquid's unique properties allow it to conduct ions while being non-volatile and chemically stable, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter from water-based to ionic liquid-based. This parameter change fundamentally alters the properties: ionic liquids maintain ionic conductivity and fluidity while eliminating volatility and material compatibility problems associated with water. The ionic liquid's molecular structure allows it to provide necessary electrical properties without the harmful effects of aqueous systems.
3Productivity
If traditional solid rocket propellants are used, then they provide continuous thrust, but they cannot be selectively ignited or extinguished during flight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capability to the propellant system through electrical electrodes embedded in the ionic liquid-based composition. The ionic liquid's ionic conductivity allows it to respond dynamically to electrical signals, enabling selective ignition and extinguishment. This dynamic control transforms the propellant from a static, continuously burning solid into an actively controllable system that can be turned on/off or throttled during flight, providing adaptability while maintaining continuous thrust capability when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The waterless propellants ensure operational reliability in space and other environments by preventing inoperability and volatile water issues, allowing controlled ignition and extinguishment for variable thrust applications.
Implementation Method 1
The electrolyte source is an ionic liquid, a polyelectrolyte, or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 2
Missiles and rockets burn propellants within combustion chambers to generate pressurized gases
Implementation Method 3
The pressurized gases are directed through a nozzle to provide thrust and accordingly propel the body of the missile or rocket
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrically operated propellant includes an electrolyte source. The electrolyte source is an ionic liquid, a polyelectrolyte, or a combination thereof. The electrically operated propellant also includes a polymeric binder. The electrically operated propellant is substantially waterless with a water content of less than 10 wt.% water based on total weight of the electrically operated propellant.