Self-propelled projectile having a fuel-rich propellant that reacts with water

摘要

A system for initiating and controlling a reaction between a metal and water is provided for use in propelling a rocket, torpedo, or other munition. A thermite charge having a quantity of reducing metal in excess of that required to react with the metal oxide is utilized to melt and/or vaporize the excess reducing metal. Water may be added to the munition immediately before use, or in the case of a torpedo, may be taken in from the surrounding water. The principles embodied by Bernoulli's equation may be used to regulate the intake of water for the reaction with the reducing metal.

主权项

1. A self-propelled projectile, comprising:
an engine portion containing a thermite charge, the thermite charge having a quantity of metal oxide and a quantity of reducing metal, the quantity of reducing metal being in excess of a quantity of reducing metal that is necessary to react with substantially all of the metal oxide, and a system for initiating the thermite charge; and a means for bringing water into contact with the reducing metal; whereby the thermite charge melts or vaporizes the reducing metal upon activation, and the melted or vaporized reducing metal exothermically reacts with water, thereby propelling the self-propelled projectile.