Explosive decomposition of hydrazine due to rapid gas compression

Results from tests which attempt to determine conditions which cause explosive decomposition of hydrazine from rapid gas compression are described. Hydrazine was initiated by pressure in combination with shock waves from the pressurant gas. A new test method was developed at the White Sands Test Facility which subjects a gas bubble in contact with liquid hydrazine to pure adiabatic compression. Results from this new test method are compared to those from the U-tube method.