hypergolic
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˌhaɪpərˈɡɒlɪk/
- Specialized
- Hypergolic propellants ignite spontaneously upon contact with an oxidizer, making them ideal for certain rocket applications.
Examples
-
Engineers prefer hypergolic propellants because they simplify the fueling process with their instant ignition.
-
For example, UDMH, as well as the oxidizer in the Proton Central tank, are hypergolic propellants.
-
So that with a, with a restorable propellant, a hypergolic propellant as we call it, that's self igniting.
-
The rocket's hypergolic fuel allowed it to launch quickly without complex ignition systems.
How Reactive
- Specialized
1
9.9
- Specialized
4
3.4
- Specialized
10
5.1
- Specialized
1
6.3
Surface Forms
Morphology
hypergolic = hyper + golic
Although the word begins with the recognizable combining form hyper-, the remaining form golic is not a transparent English base, so the substance meaning is not predictable for ordinary learners.
Etymology
Hypergolic can also be the name of a chemical or fuel; a helpful way to remember it is to see hyper- ('very') as in hyperactive and -golic as 'igniting on contact', so a hypergolic is a substance that will ignite the moment it meets its partner.