Electrically ignited and throttled pyroelectric propellant rocket engine
AssigneeDigital Solid State Propulsion, LLC
InventorMichael D. MCPHERSON
Life of this patent
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Abstract
According to one aspect, an apparatus and method for electrically igniting and throttling pyroelectric propellant, e.g., in a rocket engine, are provided. In one example, an apparatus includes an injector body for supplying an electrically ignitable propellant to a combustion chamber and a opposing electrodes. A first electrode may be included with the injector body and a second electrode positioned relative to the first electrode to cause ignition of the electrically ignitable propellant as the electrically ignitable propellant flows thereby.
Claims20
An apparatus for electrically igniting and throttling pyroelectric propellant, the apparatus comprising:
- an injector body for supplying an electrically ignitable propellant;
- a combustion chamber;
- and
- electrodes, wherein a first electrode is included with the injector body and a second electrode is positioned relative to the first electrode to cause ignition of the electrically ignitable propellant.
A method for electrically igniting and throttling pyroelectric propellant, the method comprising:
- injecting an electrically ignitable propellant to flow adjacent electrodes;
- and
- selectively providing power to the electrodes so as to ignite the electrically ignitable propellant as it passes adjacent the electrodes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.