AN ACCIDENTAL EXPLOSION INVOLVING THE USE OF OXYGEN DIFLUORIDE
Abstract
The general corrosion behavior of OF2 has been considered in the literature, but quantitative information on specific compatibility with engineering structural materials is limited. In order to fill this gap and to provide additional data for evaluation of the feasibility of using OF2 in various space applications, a corrosion program is being conducted. One phase of this program consists of immersion of structural materials in gaseous and liquid OF2 for short periods of one and 21 days, and for longer periods of four and 12 months at -109 F at a saturation pressure of 500 psi. During maintenance of the immersion baths of the long-term test containers, an explosive reaction or deflagration occurred. It was confined to one test bay only, but resulted in the destruction of the long-term immersion test setup and severe injury of the research technician attending to the immersion bath in the test bay. This report describes the nature of this accidental explosion and the results of preliminary investigation made.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0425012
Entities
People
- N. A. Tiner
- S. W. Pohl
- W. D. English
Organizations
- Douglas