Metallic powdered fuels in high-speed air-breathing engines

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In collaboration with Space Engine Systems (SES), this project aims to understand the role of nano-technology in improving aerospace propulsion systems. This work is in support of a high-speed, air-breathing, aerospace engine that is currently being developed by SES. Specifically, potential benefits of nano-particle surface coatings and metallic nano-particle suspensions in working fluids will be assessed. It is expected that both the surface coatings and particle suspensions will significantly improve rates of convective heat transfer. The scientific literature mainly reports heat transfer gains when particles are suspended in liquids. The application of particle suspensions in gases for the purpose of enhancing high-speed air-breathing propulsion performance is novel. Results will be exploited to improve heat exchanger design and to determine if such particles can be used as a replacement fuel and improve engine performance. A nano-coating laboratory, shock-tube facility and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) cluster will be used to study these problems. This project will benefit SES in the development of their aerospace engine. Leadership in the field and the development of highly qualified personnel are expected as outcomes of the project.