The term often refers to a device that uses a rocket propellant to generate large quantities of gas.
Gas generators of this type are used to power turbopumps in rocket engines, in a gas-generator cycle.
The V-2 rocket used hydrogen peroxide decomposed by a liquid sodium permanganate catalyst solution as a gas generator.
[10] A small pyrotechnic charge triggers its decomposition, producing nitrogen gas, which inflates the airbag in around 30 milliseconds.
The resulting sodium is hazardous, so other materials are added, e.g. potassium nitrate and silica, to convert it to a silicate glass.
Portable gas generators of this type were used during World War II to power vehicles as a way of alleviating petrol shortages.