Propulsion and Energetics

Utilizing proprietary propellant formulations, testing of this liquid rocket engine has been conducted in both monopropellant and bi-propellant configurations. Use of this PSI-developed high performance, green, and storable liquid propellant will allow low-cost operation of high performance propulsion systems for high mass fraction launch vehicles and upper stages. Reducing logistical operational cost, in comparison to current state-of-the-art carcinogenic propellants, is a primary advantage of developing green propellants.

Solid Propellant Gas Generator for DACS
PSI has successfully demonstrated an electrically assisted Self-Extinguishing High Impulse Controllable Solid (SEHICS) propellant, which is highly controllable due to rapid flame extinguishment upon the removal of electrical energy. The high performance solid propellant is applicable to Divert and Attitude Control Systems (DACS), and the SEHICS Test Stand is being used to provide a full-scale demonstration of an ground-based DACS system.

For more information, contact: jwegener@psicorp.com

Building upon previously demonstrated rotating detonation engines, PSI is developing novel modifications to conventional RDRE designs that will address thrust performance issues that plague current systems. A full-scale engine is currently under construction to experimentally demonstrate performance that matches or exceeds current state-of-the-art liquid rocket engines.

The largest of PSI’s propulsion test stands, the SRM Test Stand is currently being used to investigate the plume behavior of conventional SRM propellants with the goal of verifying theoretical models.

AF-M315E shows promise as a ‘green’ hydrazine replacement that is high performance and poses a significantly reduced health hazard. However, reliable ignition is currently a challenge in green monopropellant propulsion systems. PSI is developing a novel electrolytic ignition system for AF-M315E that serves as a system-level solution to replace catalyst beds as the propellant ignition source. This ignition system is being demonstrated with a dedicated 5 lbf monopropellant thruster.

PSI is investigating novel polymer binder systems that combine high energy density, on-demand curing, and compatibility with various oxidizers while retaining critical material properties of conventional energetic materials. PSI’s process is applicable to both additive and conventional manufacturing processes, and has been demonstrated at 100s of grams scale.

Insensitive Munitions: Casings - A passive case design that controllably fractures open, removing the pressure vessel confinement, before or upon propellant ignition during Slow Cookoff (SCO), bullet impact (BI), and fragment impact (FI).

A high performance, insensitive munition compliant, structural combustible cartridge case for ammunitions that would significantly augment ballistic performance. This new formulation will increase the ballistic energy, impetus, and muzzle velocity, while simultaneously eliminating combustion residue and providing insensitivity munition compliancy.

AF-M315E - AF-M315E is considered to be a ‘green’ hydrazine replacement because it is safer, environmentally benign and has higher energy density. Development and scaling of a micro-reactor based process to make AF-M315E components and intermediates is underway. The PSI design integrates microreactors and microseparators to produce high purity propellants in a drop-in fashion.

Fine Ammonium Perchlorate (AP) - PSI is developing technologies to produce fine AP using tailored grinding and crystallization operations at the kg/day scale.

PSI is researching multiple novel blends of insensitive munition compliant, high performance, green storable liquid propellants. These propellants are tested in our monopropellant and bipropellant rocket engine test stands.

PSI is researching multiple novel blends of insensitive munition compliant, high performance, green storable liquid propellants. These propellants are tested in our monopropellant and bipropellant rocket engine test stands.


For more information, contact: jwegener@psicorp.com