Accession Number : AD0784802

Title :   Investigation of Decomposition Characteristics of Gaseous and Liquid Nitrous Oxide

Descriptive Note : Final rept., 1 Aug-15 Dec 1973

Corporate Author : AIR FORCE WEAPONS LAB KIRTLAND AFB NM

Personal Author(s) : Rhodes, G. W.

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Report Date : JUL 1974

Pagination or Media Count : 50

Abstract : This report is a compilation of data obtained from Rocketdyne Division and Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Division. The Rocketdyne study examined liquid nitrous oxide stability with contaminant materials ranging from metal oxides to polymers at a temperature just below the critical point. Based on gas chromatographic analysis, negligible decomposition of the N2O occurred in all cases. One material in these tests which showed degradation was polymer (AF-E- 124X) developed for use with N2O4. In general, it is concluded that N2O stability to catalytic and chemical decomposition is greatly increased in the liquid versus the gaseous state. The Pratt and Whitney effort concentrated on the decomposition characteristics of both gaseous and liquid nitrous oxide. The experimental program evaluated the ignition, flame speeds of induced reactions, and quenching characteristics of the decomposition reaction. The results demonstrate that gaseous N2O can be ignited either by rapid compression or electric spark at elevated pressures. They also indicate that nitrous oxide may safely be handled under extreme conditions in the cooled liquid state but that great hazards exist in the gaseous condition at elevated pressure and/or temperature.

Descriptors :   *NITROGEN OXIDES, *LIQUEFIED GASES, EXPLOSIONS, COMPATIBILITY, SAFETY, IGNITION, DECOMPOSITION.

Subject Categories : PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

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