JANAF Thermochemical Tables. Second Edition

TLDR: In this article, the authors used the method of minimization of free energy to solve the problem of the lack of accurate thermodynamic data for the performance analysis of rocket propellant combustion products.

Abstract: : Beginning in the mid-1950s, when elements other than the conventional carbon hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, and fluorine came into consideration as rocket propellant ingredients, formidable difficulties were encountered in conducting rigorous theoretical performance calculations for these new propellants. The first major problem was calculational techniques. The second was the lack of accurate thermodynamic data. By the end of 1959, the calculational technique problem had been substantially resolved by applying the method of minimization of free energy to large, high-speed digital computers. At time point the calculations became as accurate as the thermodynamic data upon which they were based. However, serious gaps were present in the available data. For propellant ingredients, only the standard heat of formation is required to conduct a performance calculation. However, this must be known to a high degree of accuracy. For combustion products, the enthalpy and entropy must be known, as a function of temperature, in addition to the standard heat of formation. In order to resolve the problem, a substantial experimental thermodynamic research program was initiated. Simultaneously, a project was initiated to critically evaluate and compile consistent tables of thermodynamic properties of propellant combustion products for use by the aerospace industry.