Laboratory Synthesis and Ignition Delay Droplet Testing of White Fuming Nitric Acid

Joshua M. Hollingshead, Makayla L.L. Ianuzzi, Jeffrey David Moore, Grant A. Risha

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The focus of this experimental research was to investigate an alternative to purchasing white fuming nitric acid (WFNA) from a distributor for use as a non-toxic, hypergolic oxidizer in a bipropellant rocket engine due to the rapid decline in availability and spike in cost. WFNA was distilled, titrated, and droplet tested in a laboratory setting while controlling the parameters that affect the quality of the yielded product. Namely, the distillation's nitrate salt reactant, heating mantle temperature, and endpoint temperature were varied to optimize the concentration, percent yield, and ignition delay time with N,N,N',N'tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) fuel of the distilled WFNA. The distilled WFNA was compared to >99.5% pure WFNA purchased from a manufacturer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum, 2021
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624106118
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021
EventAIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum, 2021 - Virtual, Online
Duration: Aug 9 2021Aug 11 2021

Publication series

NameAIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum, 2021

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Propulsion and Energy Forum, 2021
CityVirtual, Online
Period8/9/218/11/21

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Energy
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

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