/sci/ - Science & Math

Hello /sfg/, I've been wanting to make my own N2O monopropellant thruster. Not for flight, just something to learn the basics of making and testing engines (and bragging rights with friends), and I have two questions about it.

1. What makes N2O decompose? The sources I've read were inconsistent. Some said that contact with platinum or silver will do, others say an electrically charged element, and other still say that just heat will do.

2. I'm worried that the propellant will not only decompose in the combustion chamber, but will continue to decompose up the feed lines and into the tank. What can be done to avoid this problem? Is it even a problem?

Thank you guys in advance.