Physical chemistry laboratory and manufacturing facility G49
In the physical chemistry laboratory, new types of propellants are developed and synthesised on a laboratory scale so their properties can be characterised. These propellants are then scaled up and tested at the M11 in hot gas experiments.
The M11 test bench and associated M3 physical chemistry laboratory at the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion in Lampoldshausen are used to research and develop new propellants for rocket and ramjet engines.
An array of propellants are evaluated in combustion chamber and engine tests under ambient and vacuum conditions. The research facility for experiments under vacuum-like conditions is the only one of its kind in Europe and is used to develop and improve propellants for satellites, probes and landers.
Research activities at the M11 test bench and in the laboratory focus on gel propellants, hybrid propellant combinations, green propellants and scramjet engines.
Advanced propellants are vital for replacing highly toxic propellants such as hydrazine and reducing the costs of space exploration. Safer and less toxic propellants can significantly reduce the costs of transport, refuelling, rocket propulsion testing and spacecraft development.
Research into advanced green propellants
M11 enables the analysis of combustion, spraying and ignition processes for a wide array of rocket propellants. The properties and applications of newly developed propellants are investigated using pressure, temperature and thrust measurements as well as optical measuring methods such as high-speed recordings and schlieren photography. The facility is also used to study instability processes and analyse the combustion efficiency of rocket engines.
Close cooperation between the test bench and the laboratory makes it possible to conduct detailed chemical analyses of propellants and their combustion products. New propellant mixtures are produced in the laboratory, while components for use with novel and known propellants are developed and characterised. The compatibility of space components and materials with conventional and new propellants can also be investigated in the laboratory.
Contact
Volker Speelmann
Head of Research Infrastructures
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Executive Board department for Innovation, Transfer and Research Infrastructure
