Effects of Compounds in Liquefied Methane on Rocket Engine Operation

Methane (CH4) is a promising rocket fuel for various future space mission scenarios. It has advantages in terms of cost, performance, and environmental friendliness. Currently, there is no clear definition on standards and specifications for liquefied methane or similar liquids such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) for their use as rocket fuel. However, those regulations are necessary for the commercial, safe, and proper operation of methane rocket engines. Composition and impurities of liquefied methane gas mixtures obtained from natural gas or biogenic sources depend on location of the natural gas source (Europe, Asia, or America), its extraction method and treatment, used cleaning methods or conditions of the gasification process, and biomass sources. In the present work, effects of impurities (N-2, CO2, C2H6) within liquid natural gas/liquid methane on the methalox rocket engine operation behavior are analyzed. Regarding the cold cryogenic side, phase diagrams are discussed and critical temperatures for the fuel side are outlined. Carbon dioxide is identified as a rather problematic pollutant. The combustion processes are investigated with several numerical simulations (1D and 2D CFD). The results indicate a minor influence on the overall combustion temperature and a minor but potentially relevant influence on the pressure within the combustion chamber. Additionally, the results indicate that with respect to temperature and pressure, no complex NOx nitrogen chemistry is required.

Automated summary

Methane shows promise as rocket fuel due to its cost-effectiveness, performance, and environmental friendliness. However, there is a lack of standards and specifications for its use, especially in terms of impurities. This study analyzes the effects of impurities in liquefied natural gas/methane on the operation of methalox rocket engines and identifies carbon dioxide as a problematic pollutant.