Investigation of Gelled JP-8 and RP-1 Fuels

For future airbreathing and rocket pro- pulsion systems gelled propellants can be a promising replacement for conventional propellants. Especially for rocket engines, the application of a gelled fuel and gelled oxidizer can combine the advantages of con- ventional solid and liquid propellants without taking into account the specific disadvantages of both indi- vidual systems. The present publication describes the rheological behavior of gelled JP-8 turbine fuel and gelled rocket propellant RP-1, whereas fumed silica as a gelling agent has been used. Alongside the determi- nation of an optimal mixing process, the rheological parameters of the investigated gelled hydrocarbon fu- els showed a significant influence of the added amount of silica in comparison to the ungelled pure liquids.