Prediction of Regression Rate of HTPB Solid Fuel-A Machine Learning Approach
Prediction of Regression Rate of HTPB Solid Fuel-A Machine Learning Approach
ABSTRACT
Several recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy model was presented for predicting the dynamic
of ML approaches in predicting regression/burn rates in behaviours and steady-state performance of solid
solid fuel/propellant for hybrid/soild rockets [10,12,13,15- propellant combustion which improved the understanding
21]. For instance, research by Tang et al. [10] utilized and prediction of complex combustion behaviours in solid
support vector regression (SVR) to accurately predict propellant systems [12]. Rivera et al.[14] applied ML
burning rates based on parameters such as fuel algorithms to predict the critical heat flux for ignition of
composition, oxidizer type, and chamber pressure. solid fuels. The study compiled a dataset from various
Similarly, Klinger et al. [13] employed Machine learning experiments and evaluated the performance of ML models
models have been developed to predict the burning rates in predicting CHFI. The models were able to adapt to
of solid rocket propellants based on composition and different scenarios and served as a useful tool for
microstructural features, offering potential for tailoring predicting CHFI in solid fuel ignition. Based on the
burn rate properties and providing initial estimates for new information gathered from the above literature, it is
propellant formulations. understood that ML techniques have been employed for
A cluster analysis method was performed for the prediction of various parameters associated with solid
aluminium agglomeration in solid propellant which propellants, including burning rate, combustion efficiency,
examined the aluminium agglomeration phenomena, for solid propellant breakage, factors affecting burning rate,
optimizing combustion efficiency [18]. Application of and the additive agglomeration.
machine learning in the design process, aiming to enhance This study aims to contribute to the growing body of
the efficiency and effectiveness of solid propellant grain literature by presenting a comprehensive analysis of
configurations were introduced [20]. The current state of regression rate prediction in HTPB solid fuels using a
machine learning applications in the field of combustion machine learning approach. Specifically, this paper
which provides insights into the evolving principles and proposes constructing a machine-learning model to predict
showcasing the progress made in leveraging machine the regression rate of HTPB solid fuel with different
learning techniques were understood [19]. Surina et al. [15] additives. The primary objective is to reduce both the time
performed the measurement of hybrid rocket solid fuel and costs associated with experimental testing, thereby
regression rate for a slab burner using deep learning enhancing the efficiency of the research and development
techniques, which offer potential improvements in process in the field of solid propellants.
monitoring and optimizing fuel regression rates. ML
models such as neural networks, support vector regression, II. METHODOLOGY
genetic programming, and Gaussian process regression
were used to predict the solid propellant breakage In our previous study, we collected experimental data
efficiency of cavitation water jets which had the potential on the regression rate of HTPB-based solid fuels using an
to enhance the efficiency and precision of solid propellant opposed flow burner.
breakage predictions in industrial applications [22]. A
dynamic model and a deep neural network-based surrogate
Figure 1 Flow chart showing the employed methodology (1) Data is collection (2) Dataset analysis for features
selections (3) ML modelling and training (4) regression rate prediction.
Prediction of Regression Rate of HTPB Solid Fuel-A Machine Learning Approach 793
This data forms part of the dataset for the current get more data sets on regression rate, additional 𝑃𝑖 values
work [23]. Further, the data augmentation has been done were added to calculate it. Since the 𝑃𝑓 values were
through an analytical model. Utilizing this dataset, we absent for the newly generated 𝑃𝑖 values, a
employed a machine learning approach to predict the dimensionless number was introduced based on the
regression rate. available data, which is (𝑃𝑖 -𝑃𝑓 )/ 𝑃𝑖 (Figure 2).
This integration of experimental dataset and
analytical data set allowed for the creation of a robust
predictive model, facilitating accurate regression rate
estimations for HTPB-based solid fuels. A detailed process
for prediction of regression rate using ML is presented in
Figure 1. Following data collection, thorough analysis is
conducted to select pertinent features. In this study, linear
regression, decision trees, and multi linear regression
algorithms are used to develop the ML models. These ML
models are trained, tested and validated using the pre-
processed dataset. Finally, the validated model is deployed
to predict regression rates, with predictions compared
against actual data to assess accuracy and reliability.
Initial
Final Burn Nozzle Regressi
pressure, T Pre- Regression
Sample pressure, V (m3) R time, Area, on rate
𝑷𝒊 (K) factor a factor n
𝑷𝒇 (MPa) tb(s) An (m2) (mm/s)
(MPa)
HTPB 2.38 1.35 0.0136 259.8 298 5 0.000113 0.019 0.86 0.135
HTPB-nAl 2.4 1.36 0.0136 259.8 298 5 0.000113 0.016 0.79 0.172
HTPB-nAl-PTFE 2.42 1.37 0.0136 259.8 298 5 0.000113 0.05 0.68 1.011
HTPB-nAl-Viton 2.44 1.38 0.0136 259.8 298 5 0.000113 0.002 1.3 0.001
794 Saravanan Meenakshisundaram Krishnakumari Aharamuthu Alisha Biju
Kaveri Vucha Yash Pal Sri Nithya Mahottamananda
Figure 4 Heat map showing correlation between solid fuel features (after feature selection)
Prediction of Regression Rate of HTPB Solid Fuel-A Machine Learning Approach 795
Correlation values depicted on the heatmap range robust positive correlation, indicating a proportional
from -1 to +1, reflecting the strength and direction of the increment in one feature associated with changes in other
relationships between the features. During correlation features. Conversely, some features demonstrate a
analysis, it was observed that several features, such as negative correlation, implying an inversely proportional
volume of settling chamber (V), gas constant (R), relationship, where an increase in one feature corresponds
temperature (T), burn time (tb), and nozzle area (An), to a decrease in another feature.
maintained constant values and did not significantly In Table 2, a sample dataset generated after
contribute to predicting regression rate. Consequently, exploratory data analysis is presented. Subsequently, the
these constant values were systematically eliminated final dataset underwent refinement in preparation for
through feature selection technique. The resulting heatmap, training the machine learning model, ensuring the
displayed in Figure 4, represents the dataset after feature optimization of input variables for accurate predictive
selection, which now comprises 1916 rows and 5 columns. modelling.
From Figure 4, it is evident that the features exhibit a
To evaluate the trained RF model's robustness and above 0.99 as shown in Table 4. The RF model showcases
performance 𝑅2 is calculated for all ML models. All the exceptional performance, outperforming all other machine
ML models for regression rates have 𝑅2 values above learning models. For instance, Daniel's RF model achieved
0.96 as shown in Table 4. It is determined that the RF an impressive R2 value of 0.94 according to the literature
model is best among all the three models with 𝑅2 value [13] .
Figure 5 illustrates the linear correlations of RF kg/m2s to 80.3 kg/m2s, falls within the range of 0.1 mm/s
model predictions for each sample with oxidizer mass flux. to 0.35 mm/s. Furthermore, in the authors' previous work
It is noted that the average regression rate obtained from [23], Sample 1 exhibited an average regression rate
both the analytical model and ML models for sample 1, ranging from 0.1 mm/s to 0.336 mm/s when subjected to
when tested under an oxidizer mass flux range of 29 an oxidizer mass flux range of 29 kg/m2s to 80.3 kg/m2s.
Figure 5 Linear correlations of RF model predictions of regression rate for a) HTPB; b) HTPB-nAl; c) HTPB-
nAl-PTFE; d) HTPB-nAl-viton
The linear correlations of RF model predictions of results closely match the analytical model values.
each sample with oxidizer settling chamber pressures can Consequently, the RF model is utilized to forecast the
be seen in Figure 6. The alignment of data points with the regression rate of the remaining data points.
linear fitting lines indicates that the test set prediction
Prediction of Regression Rate of HTPB Solid Fuel-A Machine Learning Approach 797
Figure 6 Linear correlations of RF model predictions of each sample with Initial settling chamber pressure for
a) HTPB; b) HTPB-nAl; c) HTPB-nAl-PTFE; d) HTPB-nAl-viton
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solid fuel behavior.
798 Saravanan Meenakshisundaram Krishnakumari Aharamuthu Alisha Biju
Kaveri Vucha Yash Pal Sri Nithya Mahottamananda