Test of B/Ti multilayer reactive igniters for a micro solid rocket array thruster

In this study, reactive B/Ti multilayer igniters were investigated for the noncontact ignition of a micro solid rocket array thruster in vacuum. When current is supplied to the B/Ti multilayer igniter, the chemical reaction: 2B + Ti -> TiB2 + 1320 cal/g occurs, and sparkles are spread to a distance of several millimeters or more. The B/Ti multilayer igniters with three sizes were fabricated, and tested in six configurations of solid propellant. Although one rocket with ignition charge was ignited successfully, the noncontact ignition of the solid propellant was not achieved. However, the B/Ti multilayer igniters themselves generated small impulses of 10(-6) Ns order, suggesting the possibility of self-propulsion. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.