SBIR-STTR Award

The end product of this proposal is an improved monopropellant which is safe, non toxic, water soluble, very low cost, energetic, environmentally benign and wakeless. Calculations show that a stoichiometric blend of the water soluble constituents produce a monopropellant having an energy density of 1100 Btu/# (British thermal units per pound) and an adiabatic flame temperature of 2300 F (Fahrenheit). This monopropellant is projected to be insensitive to impact up to and including the shock imposed from military rifle fire. Experimental determinations and verifications of physical properties and of stability of the monopropellant are proposed in Phase I. Drop weight impact testing will demonstrate the insensitivity of the monopropellant to mechanical shock at levels below those encountered in blasting cap tests. Also in Phase I a proprietary technique will be demonstrated which prevents any possible detonation should the monopropellant rise above a selected temperature during the most severe test of Mil-Std-2105, the cook off or bonfire test. In the Phase I Option, preliminary combustion tests are proposed in the Alternate Fuels Combustion Test Fixture. Also, scaled safety tests will be performed as precursors to the full scale Mil-Std-2105 tests scheduled in Phase II.

Benefits:
The major benefits of the proposed monopropellant are derived from the fact that the monopropellant and its reaction products are non toxic and water soluble. This eliminates the extraordinary care and cost that is imposed on the Navy in order to use and clean up after the use of Otto Fuel II. The first projected, widespread use of the proposed monopropellant is its use as the energy source for existing torpedoes including the Mk-46, the Mk-48, and the Mk-48 ADCAP. The proposed monopropellant can also be used in other under water vehicles including manned vehicles, once adequate safety testing has been performed. Because it is low cost, non toxic, and safe, commercial uses should abound.

Keywords:
Monopropellant Safe Low Cost Non Toxic Water Soluble

The end product of this proposal is an improved, safe, non-toxic, water soluble, very low cost, energetic, environmentally benign and wakeless monopropellant that has passed the necessary safety and combustion tests. During a very successful Phase I, this monopropellant, called MODEN Fuel I, made and tested in laboratory quantities, supported each of the above characteristics. Phase II is designed to produce larger quantities (up to 190 gallons) of MODEN Fuel I and to perform the necessary safety tests to allow a Hazard Classification by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Division Indian Head (NSWCDIVIH). More impact tests and material compatibility studies start early in Phase II. Combustion and engine tests will take place at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT. Combustion testing will take place in the Navy-owned Alternate Fuels Test Fixture about one year into Phase II. Engine testing of MODEN Fuel I in a Mk-46 torpedo engine is planned before the two year mark and in a Mk-48 ADCAP torpedo engine soon thereafter. Also during Phase II toxicological studies of MODEN Fuel I will determine to what extent the mixture of ingredients in the Fuel present any different biological hazard than do the separate ingredients.

Benefits:
The major benefits of the proposed monopropellant are derived from the fact that it and its exhaust products are water soluble and non-toxic. These attributes eliminate the need for the extraordinary care and cost that is imposed on the Navy in order to use and clean up after the use of Otto Fuel II. The first projected, widespread use of MODEN Fuel I is its use as the energy source for existing torpedoes including the Mk-46, the Mk-48, and the Mk-48 ADCAP. The proposed monopropellant can also be used in other underwater vehicles including manned vehicles, once adequate safety testing has been performed. Because it is low cost, non-toxic and safe, commercial uses and other military uses should abound.

Keywords:
Monopropellant Safe Water Soluble Combustion Tests Low Cost Non-toxic Wakeless Engine Tests