Studies of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Hydrazine Decomposition for Monopropellant Propulsion Systems
Abstract
The overall objective of this study is the elucidation of the gradual activity decay exhibited by hydrazine fuel thrusters operating in a pulse mode and using granular-supported iridium catalysts (Shell-405). The report describes surface studies on Shell-405 catalyst by temperature-programmed desorption, surface-area titration, and Auger electron spectroscopy which point to a loss in active surface area of iridium caused by crystallite sintering and accumulation of surface impurities following exposure to hydrazine. The heterogeneous decompositon kinetics point to a reaction order of 1/2 on silica surfaces and of unity on Shell-405 catalyst. The products of decomposition are temperature dependent. These results provide some insight into the causes of catalyst deactivation resulting from surface changes of the active metal component of Shell-405 catalyst, i.e., the iridium crystallites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 25, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA015902
Entities
People
- B. J. Wood
- D. M. Golden
- H. Wise
- J. L. Falconer
- S. E. Stein
- S. W. Benson
Organizations
- SRI International