Hypergolic Combustion Demonstration in a Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine

The theory of hypergolic combustion was experimentally verified in a reciprocating internal combustion engine by preheating the fuel to near 1000 F before direct high pressure injection into the combustion chamber. Dramatic reductions in ignition delay and exhaust smoke were observed. The potential for combustion rate control and a major improvement in engine power density were also demonstrated. Multifuel operation was addressed. Originator supplied keywords include: Hypergolic combustion, Phyrophoric combustion, Preheated fuel, High-temperature fuel injection, Ignition delay reduction.