Another Aspect of Nitrous Oxide Use in RocketMotor

Nitrous oxide(N2O) is widely used as a propellant for hybrid rocket motors due to its lowcost, relative safety and non-toxicity. Although not as energetic as liquid oxygen, itpossesses favorable properties including self-pressurization and relative ease of handling.These help lower the development costs of hybrid rockets that utilize it in combinationwith fuels such as polymer plastics and wax.

N2O be used in rocket motors either as a monopropellant or in combination with awide range of fuels such as plastics and rubber-based compounds, to provide the high-temperature gasneeded to drive a nozzle and produce thrust. When supplied with sufficient energy to initiate a reaction. N2O decomposes to release heat of about 82 kJ/moll. thus supporting the combustion of fuel and oxidizer. Thisdecomposition is normally triggered intentionally within a motor chamber, but it may also to occur unintentionallyin tanks and lines through accidental exposure to heat or shock. In such a case, should the exothermic release notbe quenched by the cooler surrounding fluid, it may intensify within a closed container and precipitate a runaway.