ENERGY STORAGE MECHANISMS IN LIQUID HYDROGEN
Abstract
Energy-storing products of irradiated liquid hydrogen are examined from the point of view that the expulsion of potential energy in the form of such products may lead to lower design weights for nuclear rockets. It is found that a signi icant fracti n of the energy deposited y radiation in liquid hydrogen is stored temporarily through the dissociation and excitati n of H2 molecules. Experimental and theoretical results are consistent with a rate of dissipation of such energy into thermal motion which is much slower than the rate at which the radiation products are expelled from the tank. It is concluded that, insofar as radiation heating of the propellant is a significant esign factor, further consideration should be given to radiation-induced reacti ns in liquid hydrogen and that any radiation-heating experiments should be interpreted in terms of possible energy-storage effects. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 31, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0293885
Entities
People
- H.g. Carter
Organizations
- General Dynamics