hypergolic
nounEtymology From Ancient Greek ὑπέρ (hupér) + ἔργον (érgon, “work”) + -ol + -ic, after the model of German Hypergol and hypergolisch. Equivalent to hypergol + -ic.
1
A hypergolic propellant; a hypergol.
hypergolic
adj/hʌɪpɚˈɡɒlɪk/
Etymology From Ancient Greek ὑπέρ (hupér) + ἔργον (érgon, “work”) + -ol + -ic, after the model of German Hypergol and hypergolisch. Equivalent to hypergol + -ic.
1
Aeronautics, Aerospace, Business, Chemistry, Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences Of a reactant Igniting spontaneously upon contact with an oxidizer.
- Although the LF₂-LH₂ cryogenic combination is hypergolic, the toxicity of the fuel and the products of combustion have made the use of this system impractical. In general, the commonly used hypergolic propellants are considered conventionally storable, that is, they do not need special refrigeration equipment to keep them liquid.2016, Pasquale M. Sforza, Theory of Aerospace Propulsion, 2nd ed., Elsevier (Butterworth-Heinemann), page 565
2
Aeronautics, Aerospace, Business, Chemistry, Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences Of a reaction Involving such a hypergolic agent.
- The chemical reaction range of hypergolic mixtures varies from slow and barely visible to an instantaneous and highly visible explosive force.1994, Stephen K. Hall, Chemical Safety in the Laboratory, CRC Press, page 65:
- Derived terms
- hypergol, hypergolically, hypergolicity, nonhypergolic