Requirements for methane as a fuel for liquid-propellant rocket engines
Abstract
The paper examines requirements for methane as a propellant for liquid rocket engines, including an analysis of the regulatory framework, an assessment of the impact of impurities on the cryogenic and thermophysical properties of the fuel, and a study of the combustion behavior of the fuel mixture. The study demonstrates that ensuring high purity of liquefied natural gas is a key requirement for the reliable operation of propellant feed systems and regenerative cooling, as well as for combustion stability. Based on the conducted analysis, a recommended rocket-fuel composition and permissible ranges of impurity concentrations are proposed.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Oksana V. Shapovalova, Anna A. Petrova, Andrey V. Stepanov, Boris V. Akhremenkov, and Svyatoslav E. Golovan
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