NACA: Preliminary Investigation of Hydrazine as a Rocket Fuel (NACA Research Memorandum)

A comprehensive, detailed study of the high-performance rocket fuel hydrazine (N2H4), a common chemical that has very high energy per unit weight, and reacts well in rocket engines. Hydrazine (and closely-related fuels) are used in many rockets, missiles, satellite propulsion systems, and spacecraft, including: Titan Soyuz Mariner Centaur Proton Me 163 "Komet" Telstar This document includes in-depth examination of physical and chemical properties, including: Stability Corrosiveness with various tank materials Sensitivity to detonation and temperature Spontaneous (hypergolic) reaction with many oxidizers The book has numerous tables, charts, drawings, photos, and almost three pages of technical references for further studies. It's an exceptional reference resource for the rocket scientist, engineer, and technician--professional or "amateur." Tables and charts in this technical report cover every physical and chemical property, including descriptions of the apparatus and procedures used in various laboratory experiments. Performance calculations are also given, including flame temperature, specific impulse, exhaust gas composition, and other key factors. Toxicity studies are also presented. The text covers the performance and use of hydrazine with liquid ozone, liquid oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, sodium permanganate solution, nitric acid, tetranitromethane, etc. Also explains the manufacture (a fairly simple process, using common ingredients) and physiological properties, and reactions with ten metals and various non-metallic materials suitable for use as tanks. This book is a report on some of the most important results of NACA research on rocket propellants. The NACA ceased to exist on October 1, 1958, succeeded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which was formed largely in response to Soviet space achievements. NACA became the nucleus of the new agency, and all NACA activities and facilities were folded into NASA.