Development of a Fuel / Oxidiser Compatible Diaphragm
| Programme: | TRP Workplan | Achieved TRL: | 6 |
| Reference: | T601-42MP | Closure: | 2016 |
| Contractors: | MT Aerospace (GB) | ||
Surface tension management devices are complex, expensive and impose specific limits on propellant consumption under acceleration conditions. EPDM (rubber) Diaphragms are simpler and provide a good job, but a common filler material (silicon) is not compatible with long term use in hydrazines, and EPDM is not compatible with Oxidisers.
Objectives
To develop a single material suitable for diaphragms, compatible with the long term exposure to both fuels and oxidisers.
Achievements
The development of a silicon free EPDM diaphragm was successfully completed in 2011, and has since been sold commercially on several programmes. Part 2 of the activity repeating the long term exposure of candidate materials to oxidisers was completed in November 2016. In both cases, accelerated aging by immersion of samples in fluids at high temperature demonstrated the equivalent lifetime of in excess of 15 years.
Benefits
Cost effective alternatives to surface tensions devices, demonstrated as compatible with both fuels and oxidisers, are now available for the market.
Further work
Secure the first flight of the oxidiser compatible diaphragm.
