Solid Propellants for Generating Hydrogen.

摘要

Solid propellants have been developed and evaluated in a hydrogen gas generator as potential sources of hydrogen for the hydrogen fluoride/deuterium fluoride chemical laser. Formulations based on the reaction of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) with ferric acid (Fe2O3) to produce high purity hydrogen and the reaction of NaBH4 with (NH4)2SO4 to produce a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen have been investigated. When deuterated compounds are used in place of the hydrogen-containing compounds, deuterium (D2) is generated in place of hydrogen (H2). Propellant grains of NaBH4/Fe2O3 weighing approximately 0.08 kg have been prepared and used to generate high purity hydrogen gas for use as a laser cavity fuel and precombustor fuel in a small hydrogen fluoride/deuterium fluoride chemical laser device. The propellant formulations that contain NaBH4 are very stable to moisture, exhibit no sensitivity to impact or friction, and have autoignition temperatures above 773 K. These propellants or similar type solid propellants are potential storable H2/D2 gas sources that combine instant readiness with excellent handling characteristics and compact storage. The volumetric efficiency of these solid propellants is equivalent to or greater than that of liquid hydrogen as a source of gaseous hydrogen. Experimental data from the hydrogen fluoride/deuterium fluoride chemical laser tests confirm that hydrogen produced from a solid propellant grain is equivalent to commercial hydrogen for use as a cavity or precombustor fuel in the hydrogen fluoride/deuterium fluoride chemical laser. (Author)