PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF IONIZING RADIATIONS ON PROPELLANTS; THE X-IRRADIATION OF AMMONIA AND HYDRAZINE
Abstract
Ammonia and hydrazine were X-irradiated in a preliminary investigation of the effects of ionizing radiations on propellants. A 250-kv, 15-ma source was used at room temperature and a distance to provide 90 to 100 r/min of radiation.Ammonia was irradiated as a vapor at pressures of 100 to 1295 mm of Hg with doses of 45 to 104 kr of radiation. Less than 1% decomposition of ammonia was observed. Liquid ammonia decomposed to the extent of approximately 1% with a radiation dose of 115 kr. The irradiation of hydrazine vapor at a pressure of 15 mm of Hg and a total dose of 590 kr resulted in approximately 3% decomposition. Both ammonia and hydrazine decompositions involved the formation of N and possibly H. In addition to the permanent gases, hydrazine was formed from ammonia and ammonia was formed from hydrazine. All irradiations resulted in the formation of other materials that have not been characterized. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0271974
Entities
People
- Harold W. Lucien
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration