Invited Talk I / 大會邀請演講（一）
Title: Boron-Based High-Energy Fuels: Pushing the Frontiers of Air-Breathing and Rocket Propulsion
Chair: Prof. Hsin-Yi Shih
Abstract:
The demand for high-performance propulsion has intensified interest in boron due to its superior gravimetric and volumetric energy densities. However, practical application is hindered by ignition delays from the native oxide layer, dispersion instability, and incomplete combustion. Addressing these challenges is essential for realizing boron's full energetic potential. This talk presents systematic experimental investigations into boron-loaded slurry, gel, and solid fuels for hybrid rockets, ducted rockets, and ramjets.
Studies on boron-hydrocarbon slurry fuels reveal critical ignition characteristics and micro-explosion-induced secondary atomization. Dispersion stability was optimized via surfactant-assisted suspension and surface modification, validated through rheological and spectroscopic analyses. Spray combustion tests confirmed effective boron burnout and increased exit gas temperatures. To improve storage and handling, boron-loaded gel fuels were developed; droplet combustion and emission spectroscopy demonstrated that magnesium and titanium additives significantly reduce ignition delay and enhance efficiency.
To overcome storage and handling limitations of slurry fuels, boron-loaded gel formulations were developed and examined. Droplet combustion and emission spectroscopy show that metallic additives such as magnesium and titanium significantly reduce ignition delay and enhance combustion efficiency under varied ambient conditions. For solid fuel applications, boron–HTPB composites were characterized using opposed-flow burner and hybrid motor tests, showing increased heating values, improved regression rates, and reduced unburned boron residues. Ongoing development of boron-loaded solid fuels for hybrid gas generators in ducted rocket configurations indicates promising preliminary performance.
Overall, these studies establish critical combustion characteristics, stabilization strategies, and performance benchmarks for boron-based fuels, providing experimental pathways toward high-energy-density propulsion technologies for future air-breathing and rocket systems.
Invited Talk II / 大會邀請演講（二）
Title: From Electric Propulsion in Space to Nuclear Fusion and Carbon Cycling
Chair: Prof. Ching-Yao Chen
Abstract:
This presentation explores the cutting-edge evolution of Electric Propulsion (EP), a technology that leverages plasma to eject high-energy, quasi-neutral charged particles for thrust. By analyzing the fundamental mechanics of plasma acceleration, we bridge the gap between space exploration and the future of sustainable power. We will discuss how the core principles of EP—confinement, ionization, and particle dynamics—serve as a critical foundation for advancing nuclear fusion technology. This cross-disciplinary journey highlights how mastering plasma for deep-space travel is paving the way for revolutionary breakthroughs in terrestrial energy solutions.