Aspects of Monomethylhydrazine and Red Fuming Nitric Acid Ignition

Abstract

Liquid and gelled monomethylhydrazine and red fuming nitric acid jets were impinged using an unlike doublet injection system at ambient conditions. The unexpected results of no ignition under typical injection conditions resulted in an investigation into the operability of the injection system and the chemical composition of the propellants. Hypergolic ignition tests in the injection system with a hydrocarbon-based fuel mixture and 91.2% H2O2 resulted in repeatable ignition events with ignition delays from 6 to 8 ms. The spray formation resulting from the impingement of the monomethylhydrazine and red fuming nitric acid gels resulted in interesting spray characteristics due to the nature of the gelling agents used.