Regression Rate and Performance Analysis via Ballistic Reconstruction of a small-scale H2O2-based Hybrid Rocket fuelled by Polyvinyl Chloride

The first goal of this work is to find a regression law for PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) coupled to hydrogen peroxide on a 10-N-scale hybrid thruster, which appears to be suitable for small satellites when, for example, manoeuvres are required for orbital control purposes. Different techniques were initially analysed in order to reconstruct the ballistics inside the combustion chamber, starting from the experimental data. Subsequently, even if the different techniques lead to similar results, the one that takes into consideration the greatest number of the experimental measurements was chosen for the post-processing, and three different regression curves were obtained according to various criteria. The resulting regression laws coming from the selected method appear to be in agreement with the experimental results and constitute a powerful means for designing engines with this fuel. Finally, a performance analysis has been performed and in-space thrust and specific impulse have been estimated. PVC shows excellent performance and can be a good candidate for this type of applications, on a par with other more popular polymeric materials.