Effects of Compounds in Liquefied Methane on Rocket Engine Operation

Methane (CH4) is a promising rocket fuel for various future space mission scenarios. It has advantages in terms of cost, performance, and environmental friendliness. Currently, there no clear definition on standards specifications liquefied methane or similar liquids such as natural gas (LNG) their use fuel. However, those regulations are necessary the commercial, safe, proper operation engines. Composition impurities mixtures obtained from biogenic sources depend location source (Europe, Asia, America), its extraction method treatment, used cleaning methods conditions gasification process, biomass sources. In present work, effects (N2, CO2, C2H6) within liquid gas/liquid methalox engine behavior analyzed. Regarding cold cryogenic side, phase diagrams discussed critical temperatures side outlined. Carbon dioxide identified rather problematic pollutant. The combustion processes investigated with several numerical simulations (1D 2D CFD). results indicate minor influence overall temperature but potentially relevant pressure chamber. Additionally, that respect to pressure, complex NOx nitrogen chemistry required.