Shock tube study of the effect of unsymmetric dimethyl hydrazine on the ignition delay of methaneoxygen-argon mixtures

The effect of trace quantities (4 to 15% of methane) of pure unsymmetric dimethyl hydrazine (UDMH) on the ignition delay of methaneoxygen diluted with argon has been studied behind reflected shock waves, over a temperature range 1600-2100 °K, at a pressure of 3 atm and composition range of 0.5 to 2.0 (φ) times the stoichiometric ratio. Ignition was identified by pressure rise and by visible light emission using piezoelectric pressure and photomultiplier detection respectively. The delay periods were found to decrease with increasing quantities of UDMH. The reduction in the delay period was found to be more for φ = 0.5, less for φ = 1.0 and least for φ = 2.0. A probable reason for this phenomena is offered. © 1976.