Summary of Nitrous Oxide Investigations
Abstract
The Air Force Weapons Laboratory (AFWL) proposes to use nitrous oxide (N2O) as an oxidizer in a combustion process for an airborne system. A number of problem areas were investigated by AFWL or by other organizations under contract to AFWL. This report summarizes the results of these N2O investigations. Two of the programs investigated the decomposition characteristics of N2O-CO mixtures. It was determined that the decomposition of gaseous N2O is not difficult to initiate, but that it is also easily quenched. Tests with the N2O-CO mixture revealed that this combination has significant explosive potential; however, it is difficult to initiate such an explosion. Another series of investigations addressed potential flow problems. The liquid N2O in the system is pressurized by helium in the ullage of the tank and absorbs some of this He. With more than about 0.5 mole percent abosrbed He, the effective throat area of the cavitating venturi used in the metering system is appreciably reduced. A second aspect of the flow studies concerned the possibility of N2O solidification when it is dumped overboard under emergency airborne conditions. Tests confirmed the formation of N2O snow when liquid N2O was dumped into a vacuum chamber; however, no flow problems were encountered. The third group of tests evaluated materials compatibility with liquid N2O. A selection of 34 materials were immersed in liquid N2O, and three of the materials showed evidence of degradation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA027884
Entities
People
- James K. Cawthra
- M. Eisenstadt
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory