Which gas is used as a rocket propellant?
Despite criticism and early technical failures, the taming of liquid hydrogen proved to be one of NASA’s most significant technical accomplishments. . . . Hydrogen — a light and extremely powerful rocket propellant — has the lowest molecular weight of any known substance and burns with extreme intensity (5,500°F).
How is hydrazine used as a rocket fuel?
Hydrazine is also used as rocket fuel propellant. Mixing it with oxidising agent dinitrogen tetroxide, N2O4, creates a hypergolic mixture – a mixture so explosive, no ignition is required. As the fuel burns, three reactions take place, decomposing hydrazine into ammonia, nitrogen and hydrogen gases.
Is hydrazine a rocket fuel?
Rocket chemistry Hydrazine is also used as rocket fuel propellant. Mixing it with oxidising agent dinitrogen tetroxide, N2O4, creates a hypergolic mixture – a mixture so explosive, no ignition is required. As the fuel burns, three reactions take place, decomposing hydrazine into ammonia, nitrogen and hydrogen gases.
What is nitrocellulose used for other than fireworks?
It is also used in some items without any other oxidizers or fuels. In other fields of pyrotechnics than fireworks it is widely used as a propellant, sometimes mixed with nitroglycerin and other materials (so called double- or triple base propellants). Nitrocellulose is sold in gun shops to those with the proper licenses in some countries.
What is the best propellant for a nuclear rocket?
Another substance mentioned for use as a propellant in the nuclear rocket is ammonia. While offering only about one-half the specific impulse of hydrogen for the same reactor temperature as a consequence of its greater molecular weight, it is a liquid at reasonable temperatures and is easily handled.
How to make nitrocellulose at home?
Finally, it is possible to make nitrocellulose at home. The procedure is too lengthy to describe well here, but it involves treating cellulose (preferably cotton or paper) with a mixture of sulfuric acid, nitric acid and water. The product is then washed extensively and stabilized.
What is the nitrogen content of nitrocellulose?
NC with a nitrogen content of 10.7–12.2\% is typically used in the production of inks and lacquers; NC with 12.6–13.4\% nitrogen content is used in energetic formulations such as propellants and dynamite. IPI provides nitrocellulose for use in propellants and dynamite.