Liquid Propellant Transfer Properties
A study of the transfer properties of LP1846 was initiated with a series of static tests designed to establish a safety envelope for the handling of liquid propellant under dynamic conditions.
pumping↗
Engineering topics
Moran, C. M.
Publications and source records attributed to Moran, C. M..
Electrochemical corrosion studies in low conductivity propellants
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is investigating the possibility of developing advanced electrochemical techniques as accelerated compatibility tests for metal/propellant systems which overcome the problems associated with the low conductivity of the liquid propellants (e.g., hydrazines, nitrogen tetroxide). Both DC techniques and AC electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are being evaluated. Progress has been made in experiments involving stainless steel with hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide propellants.
Blue, G. D.↗
Corrosion of metals by hydrazine
The mechanism of corrosion of metals by hydrazine has been studied by means of coupons in sealed ampoules and by electrochemical techniques. The variables considered were temperature, CO2 impurity level, alloy composition and microcrystalline structure. The coupon studies, to date, verify that increasng temperature and the presence of CO2 does increase the corrosion rate as expected. The presence of molybdenum in stainless steels to the 3 percent level is not necessarily deleterious, contrary to published reports. The influence of microcrystalline structure and surface characteristics are more dominant effects. However, with Ti-6Al-4V, two different microcrystalline structures showed no significant differences. Corrosion rates of CRES 304 L in hydrazine have also been measured by several electrochemical techniques such as Tafel plots, polarization resistance and A. C. Impedance. This is the first documented work to show that A. C. Impedance can be used with non-aqueous solvents. Preliminary data correlated satisfactorily with the results of the coupon studies.
Lawton, E. A.↗
The effects of surface pretreatment and nitrogen tetroxide purification on the corrosion rate of Type 304L stainless steel
Corrosion rates of 304L stainless steel coupons in MON-1 oxidizer have been measured as a function of cleaning procedures employed, surface layer positions, propellant impurity levels, and short-term exposure durations (14 to 90 days). Of special interest was propellant contamination by buildup of soluble iron, which may cause flow decay. Surface treatments employed were combinations of cleaning, pickling, and passivation procedures. Propellants used were MIL-SPEC MON-1 and several types of purified NTO (i.e., low water, low chloride) which may, at a later time, be specified as spacecraft grade. Pretest coupon surface analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS-ESCA) has revealed important differences, for the different cleaning procedures, in the make-up of the surface layer, both in composition and state of chemical combination of the elements involved. Comparisons will be made of XPS/ESCA data, for different cleaning procedures, for specimens before and after propellant exposure.
Blue, G. D.↗
Test program to demonstrate the stability of hydrazine in propellant tanks
The suitability of stainless steels and Inconel for long-term hydrazine propellant-storage tanks is investigated. Rectangular coupon samples cut from propellent tanks were sealed with a measured amount of hydrazine in glass capsules, stored at 43 or 60 C, and removed after 6 to 24 months, when corrosion of the coupon and decomposition of the hydrazine was determined, and SEM and electron spectroscopy were performed on some coupons. Corrosion was found to be unmeasurably low for all the coupons, and hydrazine decomposition produced less than 1.0 cu cm of gas per sq cm of wetted surface per year, except in those few cases when catalysis or contamination were detected. Especially good stability was observed for type 304L stainless steel. The decomposition rates determined in the coupon tests are confirmed by preliminary results of actual tank storage trials.
Moran, C. M.↗
Test program to demonstrate the stability of hydrazine in propellant tanks
A 24-month coupon test program to evaluate the decomposition of propellant tanks is reported. The propellant fuel evaluated was monopropellant-grade hydrazine (N2H4), which is normally a colorless, fuming, corrosive, strongly reducing liquid. The degree of hydrazine decomposition was determined by means of chemical analyses of the liquid and evolved gases at the end of the test program. The experimental rates of hydrazine decomposition were determined to be within acceptable limits. The propellant tank materials and material combinations were not degraded by a 2-year exposure to hydrazine propellant. This was verified using change-of-weight determinations and microscopic examination of the specimen surface before and after exposure, and by posttest chemical analyses of hydrazine liquid for residual metal content.
Moran, C. M.↗
Long term compatability of hydrazine with metals: Results at the ten-year milestone
A test program to establish the effects of long term contact of materials with hydrazine for the purpose of designing chemical propulsion system components which can be used for current as well as future planetary spacecraft was analyzed. Materials included the following: aluminum alloys, corrosion resistant steels, and a titanium alloy. Material ratings relative to the 10 year milepost are assigned. The propellant was found to be stable. With minor exceptions, the materials tested were rated acceptable for a 10 year mission.
Moran, C. M.↗
Methylhydrazinium nitrate
Methylhydrazinium nitrate was synthesized by the reaction of dilute nitric acid with methylhydrazine in water and in methanol. The white needles formed are extremely hygroscopic and melt at 37.5-40.5 C. The IR spectrum differs from that reported elsewhere. The mass spectrum exhibited no parent peak at 109 m/z, and thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the compound decomposed slowly at 63-103 C to give ammonium and methylammonium nitrate. The density is near 1.55 g/cu cm.
Lawton, E. A.↗
Long term compatibility of nitrogen tetroxide with metals - Results at the ten-year milestone
Analyses and results are reported of a test program to establish the effects of long-term (10 years or more) contact of materials with nitrogen textroxide MON-1 for the purpose of designing chemical propulsion system components which can be used for current as well as future planetary spacecraft. The test materials included aluminum alloy, corrosion-resistant steel, titanium alloy, and nickel. The weight and appearance of each specimen were observed, including the presence of deposits, etching, pitting, and cracking. Aluminum alloy and steel were rated satisfactory with minor reservations, titanium alloy was satisfactory, and nickel was unsatisfactory. Criteria for ratings are shown.
Moran, C. M.↗
Effect of chloride contamination in MON-1 propellant on crack growth properties of metals
The effect of a high level of chloride content (800 ppm) in MON-1 propellant on the crack growth properties of seven materials was investigated. Sustained load tests were conducted at 49 C (120 F) temperature with thin gauge tensile specimens having a semi-elliptical surface flaw. Alloys included aluminum 1100, 3003, 5086 and 6061; corrosion resistant steel types A286 and 347; and titanium 6Al-4V. The configurations tested with precracked flaws exposed to MON-1 were: parent or base metal, center weld, and heat affected zone. It was concluded that this chloride level in MON-1 does not affect the stress corrosion, crack growth properties of these alloys after 1000 hour exposure duration under high stresses.
Moran, C. M.↗