Solid fuels, their properties, and applications

Future studies in the area of mixed solid fuels for rocket motors are predicted. It is expected the promising fuels will consist of an “active” binder and a high enthalpy oxidant, but will not contain metallic fuel. The energy indices of these fuels ensure an effective specific impulse $\approx$50 (kg·sec)/kg higher than that of those in use today. Ways of reducing the temperature of the gaseous combustion products of solid fuels to 300–330 K are examined, which will allow these fuels to be used in systems with traditional materials (metal, plastic, rubber, etc.). The prospects for using solid fuels with elevated combustion temperatures are studied, as well as the possibility of using the principles employed in establishing the composition of solid fuels in the synthesis of various materials.