High Energy Density Synthetic Fuel Development

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Advanced Materials;Hypersonics;Renewable Energy Generation and Storage The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: Synthesize a novel liquid hydrocarbon fuel or generate a synthetic fuel blend with a higher volumetric energy density than JP-10, which maintains a flashpoint above 60 C and viscosity below 200cSt at -40 C. DESCRIPTION: There is a mission critical need for increased range in gas turbine powered cruise missiles. The proposer should develop a scalable process for high energy density fuel synthesis and provide a cost analysis for commercial scale production. The fuel properties must be characterized to demonstrate net heat of combustion exceeding that of JP-10. High energy density fuel will improve the range of current and future airbreathing propulsion systems. To minimize environmental impact, renewable solutions are highly encouraged and potential toxicology issues should be considered for maritime use. PHASE I: Design and develop a proof of concept, production, and delivery of 250 mL of fuel to Navy lab. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II. PHASE II: Produce and deliver of 100 gallons (378.54 L) of fuel to a Navy lab. Perform a cost analysis of fuel production at designated production levels. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Design and cost a large-scale production facility capable of meeting yearly Department of Defense needs. Fuels developed through this SBIR topic may have utility for rocket propulsion. Chemical byproducts may have utility as lubricants and polymer precursors. REFERENCES: 1. "MIL-DTL-87107E: Detail specification: Propellant, high density synthetic hydrocarbon type, grade, JP-10". Department of the Air Force, 12-Jan-2012. http://www.everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-DTL/MIL-DTL-87107E_40053/ 2. Burdette, G. W. Liquid Hydrocarbon Air Breather Fuel. U.S. Patent No. 4,410,749 - October 18, 1983. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/4410749 3. Myers, Jr.; H. K. and Schneider, A. Isomerization of Endo-Endo Hexacyclic Olefinic Dimer of Norbornadiene. U.S. Patent No. 4,222,800 - September 16, 1980. https://ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/4222800 4. Chung, H. S.; Chen, C. S. H.; Kremer, R. A.; Boulton, J. R. and Burdette, G. W. Recent developments in high-energy density liquid hydrocarbon fuels. Energy & Fuels, 13(3), 1999, pp. 641-649. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ef980195k KEYWORDS: High Density Fuels; Synthesis; Propulsion; JP-10; Hydrocarbons; Jet Fuel