FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS OF FLIGHT VEHICLE COMBUSTIBLES
Abstract
The initiating shock strength for cryogenic mixtures of liquid hydrogen and solid oxygen and of mixtures of liquid oxygen and hydrocarbons is 1.2 to 2.5 kbar. Inert diluents produce desensitization of the liquid hydrogen- oxygen system. Equal molar dilution of the oxygen with either nitrogen or methyl chloride increased the initiating shock strength by about a factor of two. Kerosine, butane, and propane all have nearly the same sensitivity when combined with LOX. Methyl chloride is a relatively insensitive individual fuel; but as an additive to a LOXhydrocarbon mixture, it showed no desensitization effect. Powders are much less effective detonation suppressants in the gaseous 60-40 hydrogen-oxygen system than are some of the previously tested gaseous inhibitors. The suppression effects of the powders appear to be entirely thermal in nature. 1-bromo-2,4-dichloro-1,1,2,3,3,4-hexafluorobutane has the lowest, or nearly the lowest, minimum autoignition temperatures is the four halogenated hydrocarbons tested. It would appear to be the least attractive fire extinguishment agent.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0603130
Entities
People
- E. L. Litchfield
- H. E. Perlee