Replicating Characteristics of Magnesium Based Rocket Propellant with Aluminum Based Propellant

Charles Howard*, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506

Field (Broad Category): Engineering (Physical Sciences & Engineering) 

Student’s Major: Aerospace Engineering 

Propellant made for solid rocket motors most often uses aluminum powder as the thermic agent. The thermic agent is a part of the propellant that is used to increase the temperature of the flame, which increases the performance of the motor. Aluminum powder is a good choice because it is relatively inexpensive and exhibits favorable properties during the burn. Another common choice for the propellant thermic agent is magnesium powder. Magnesium is more energetic than aluminum, and therefore often acts as a better thermic agent. The issue with magnesium is that it is very difficult to find a propellant-quality source for a reasonable price. Rocket motors made with low-quality magnesium can be unpredictable and dangerous. Within the West Virginia University Experimental Rocketry Team (WVUER), there is a desire to take advantage of the properties of magnesium-based propellants, specifically Nevada AeroSpace Science Associates (NASSA) Red 1.0 [1]. The problem is the aforementioned difficulty of sourcing acceptable magnesium powder. This study intends to research the effects of using aluminum instead as the thermic agent in various newly formulated propellants that are based on the original formula for NASSA Red 1.0 and to replicate NASSA Red 1.0 propellant characteristics. If successful, the results from this study will give WVUER more options when choosing propellants for future rocket motors and allow the team to avoid problems associated with common magnesium sources. This research is currently in progress and will be completed by mid-April 2020. [1] NEVADA AEROSPACE SCIENCE ASSOCIATES, http://www.rimworld.com/nassarocketry/indexmotors.html, [retrieved 19 September 2019] 

Funding: West Virginia NASA Space Grant Consortium 

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: Other WV NASA SGC