Processes for Assessing the Thermal Stability of Han-Based Liquid Propellants. Revision

Abstract

Liquid Propellants containing hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) react with metallic and non-metallic impurities. Two tests were developed to monitor gas evolution during storage at 90 C in 5-cc sealed glass ampoules or 3-cc glass containers fitted with miniature pressure transducers. Time to bursting of the ampoule or to a specific pressure in the container are the data obtained. The propellant's stability is dependent on pH with 2.1 being optimum. The effects of numerous metals, both as elements and ions, and plastics on the stability of LGP1846 are examined. Iron, copper, and vanadium ions caused the most reaction, and vanadium shows an effect at concentrations as low as 0.5 ppm. Magnesium, zinc, and manganese ions had no effect in storage life by this test criterion. Of the 30 metals and alloys investigated, 2 gunmetals and 3 stainless steels were subject to pronounced attack, but gold, silver, and tantalum remain unaffected. Keywords: Liquid propellants, HAN, Decomposition, Thermal stability, Stabilizers, Chemical analysis, Glass ampoules, Storage life. (jes)

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA224999

Entities

People

  • E. Backof
  • H. J. De Grieff
  • Nathan Klein
  • Roy Edgar Hansen

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Chemical Analysis
  • Chemical Reaction Properties
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Coordination Complexes
  • Dielectric Gases
  • Fluoropolymers
  • Liquid Propellants
  • Materials
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Nitrogen Compounds
  • Nitrogen Oxides
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Pressure Measurement
  • Test Methods

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Rocket Propulsion.
  • Surface Engineering/Surface Coating Technology.