Mixing of Liquid Cryogens in the Simulation of Liquid Hydrogen/Liquid Oxygen Explosion Hazards
Abstract
Experiments simulating mixing of liquid oxygen (LO(2)) and liquid hydrogen (LH(2) have been performed. The non-reactive mixtures were obtained by injecting jets of the oxidizer into a pool of the fuel simulant. Three fluid combinations were tested: LO(2) into liquid helium (LHe), liquid nitrogen (LN(2)) into LHe and LN(2) into LH(2). Experimental observations included flash X-ray and high speed video imaging, hot film anemometry, and thermocouple and diode thermometry. Results showed that the jet fluid stays coherent throughout the mixing process and that peak boiling of the pool fluid occurs shortly after jet impingement. Estimates of bulk density indicate a smaller range of variation than is currently being used for explosive yield calculations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA518822
Entities
People
- E. Y. Kwack
- K. M. Aaron
- L. H. Back
- P. Shakkottai
- T. S. Luchik
Organizations
- California Institute of Technology