Practicality of High Energy/Zip Fuels?

  • Thread starter Delta Force
  • Start date
In summary, high energy/zip fuels were developed in the 1950s for aircraft and rockets, but were abandoned due to the risk of damaging turbine blades. The last projects to consider using these fuels were supersonic aircraft that would have run conventional fuel through the engine and only used high energy fuels for the afterburners. While most of the research focused on borated fuels, there may have been other options available. It is possible that high energy gasoline fuels could have been developed for use in combustion engines. This could have been useful for cars designed for racing or world record attempts, as well as high speed aircraft. It could also potentially be useful for fueling vehicles with smaller tanks, as they could travel longer distances between fill-ups.
  • #1
Delta Force
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High energy/zip fuels were developed in the 1950s as a next generation fuel for aircraft and rockets but were largely abandoned due to the risk of damaging turbine blades. The last projects to consider using the fuels were supersonic aircraft that would have run conventional fuel through the engine and only used the high energy fuels for the afterburners.

Most of the research focused on borated fuels, but I'm wondering if there are any other fuels that could have been used. Also, could could high energy gasoline fuels have been developed for use by combustion engines?
 
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  • #2
Why would this be useful for cars? Is a car with a 7 gallon tank going to sell better than one with a 15 gallon tank? Or alternatively, is a car that can go 1000 miles between fill-ups going to sell better than one that can only go 500?
 
  • #3
Vanadium 50 said:
Why would this be useful for cars? Is a car with a 7 gallon tank going to sell better than one with a 15 gallon tank? Or alternatively, is a car that can go 1000 miles between fill-ups going to sell better than one that can only go 500?

Apart from high speed aircraft it could be used for fueling vehicles designed for racing and world record attempts.
 

1. What are High Energy/Zip Fuels?

High Energy/Zip Fuels are a type of fuel that contains a higher energy density compared to traditional fuels. They are typically made up of a combination of high energy compounds, such as nitromethane, and other additives to increase the overall energy output.

2. How do High Energy/Zip Fuels work?

High Energy/Zip Fuels work by releasing a large amount of energy when they are burned. The high energy compounds present in these fuels have a higher energy density, meaning they release more energy per unit mass compared to traditional fuels. This results in a more powerful combustion process and increased performance.

3. What are the benefits of using High Energy/Zip Fuels?

There are several benefits to using High Energy/Zip Fuels. These fuels can provide a significant increase in power and performance, making them ideal for use in high-performance engines. They also have a higher octane rating, which can prevent engine knocking and improve overall engine efficiency.

4. Are there any drawbacks to using High Energy/Zip Fuels?

One potential drawback of using High Energy/Zip Fuels is their higher cost compared to traditional fuels. These fuels also have a higher risk of combustion and can be more difficult to handle and store due to their increased volatility. Additionally, they may not be suitable for use in all types of engines.

5. What are some practical applications of High Energy/Zip Fuels?

High Energy/Zip Fuels are commonly used in high-performance vehicles, such as race cars and motorcycles, to improve speed and acceleration. They are also used in some military and aerospace applications, such as rocket propulsion. Additionally, these fuels have potential uses in the future for powering alternative energy sources, such as fuel cells.

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