Department

Chemical Propellant Technology

Development, characterization and testing of advanced propellants
The physico-chemical laboratory focuses on the application-oriented development, characterization and testing of advanced propellants, propellant components, novel functional materials and propellant concepts for aerospace propulsion systems.
Image: 1/4, Credit:
Modern analysis methods are used
Modern, non-decomposing analytical methods are used to characterize chemical compounds, propellants and materials, such as UV-VIS, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy.
Image: 2/4, Credit:
From theory to test: chemical synthesis of functional materials on a laboratory scale
All steps in the development of novel green propellants, from theoretical description and composition to laboratory-scale ignition tests, are illustrated.
Image: 4/4, Credit:

In space flight, propellants based on hydrazines are used, among other things, as standard for attitude and control regulation in spacecraft. Like the oxidizer dinitrogen tetroxide (NTO) used for this purpose, these propellants are highly corrosive and toxic. These properties lead to difficult handling and the associated high costs. The search for alternatives to these currently used propellant combinations is a key focus of the Chemical Propellant Technology department. Current work ranges from the development and testing of spontaneously igniting propellant combinations to the synthesis of nanoscale functional materials and their testing in dual-fuel systems or components.

With the chemical synthesis, characterization and subsequent combustion tests of selected propellant combinations on a laboratory scale, all steps in the pre-development of novel green propellants and chemical technologies are run through. State-of-the-art experimental methods and analysis options such as inert gas techniques, spectroscopic and chromatographic measuring procedures are used for this purpose. The resulting findings are discussed in the form of publications, conference papers or presentations to an international specialist audience.

The department's portfolio includes the following areas of work:

  • Representation of novel (functional) materials for space-based applications,
  • Development and testing of novel propellant concepts and propellant sources,
  • Synthesis of novel compounds, for example ionic liquids as part of modern propellant components,
  • Handling and handling of pyrophoric and air-sensitive compounds (hydrides, boranes, nanomaterials),
  • Development of novel non-Newtonian propellants and their rheological properties,
  • Analytical characterization of compounds, propellants and materials using a wide range of modern, non-destructive analytical methods (UV-VIS, Raman, FTIR spectroscopy, EDX), thermal and imaging methods (DSC/TG, calorimetry, scanning electron microscope),
  • Compatibility and durability tests of novel materials, propellants and hardware components on a laboratory scale,
  • Investigation of the ignition properties (burning behavior, up-scaling of selected propellants for subsequent combustion tests on the M11 research test stand of the Satellite and Orbital Propulsion Department,
  • Analysis of permanent and trace gases or liquid hydrocarbons.

The training and promotion of young scientists is an essential part of the department's philosophy. We welcome unsolicited applications from students of chemistry or related natural sciences for internships or theses!

Current Projects

Project

NeoFuels

As part of the DLR NeoFuels project, more environmentally friendly fuels have been developed, produced and tested on the test bench.

Project

Nanotechnologies in propulsion systems NatAs

The aim of the NatAs project is not only to generate sustainable knowledge, but also to build a technological bridge between nanotechnology and propulsion-related applications.

Research and Test Infrastructure

Research and Test Infrastructure

Physical-Chemical Laboratory

Environmental compatibility now also plays a decisive role in space flight. Satellites are currently powered by hydrazine. This fuel can be stored for a long time and also works reliably under space conditions. The disadvantage is that it is harmful to health. DLR Lampoldshausen has therefore built up expertise in the replacement of storable propellants.

Contact

Dr. Dominic Freudenmann

Head of Department
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Space Propulsion
Chemical Propellant Technology
Im Langen Grund, 74239 Hardthausen
Germany