vorteciroc

Recently I have had a good number of questions regarding Nitro-Methane (CH3NO2).

I will be discussing high-percentage/ concentration Nitro-Methane here, not to be confused with low-percentage/ concentration Nitro-Methane (as used in RC Cars).
This Thread is regarding the Fuel used in Drag Racing and formerly experimented with in the early days of Space Shuttle Fuels (deemed too dangerous).

It is one of the most explosive organic chemical compounds, carries it's own Oxygen Source, and behaves very similarly to Dynamite (Nitro-Glycerin).
Dynamite also has the same ignition characteristics as Nitro-Methane. Dynamite is not to be confused with TNT (Trinitrotoluene).
There are other compounds that can be combined with Nitro-Methane to make it more explosive.
I will absolutely NOT be giving out any information on that topic.

Nitro-Methane is difficult to ignite via a flame or heat source...
Instead it is very easily ignited by a shock source (like Dynamite).
Poor a tiny amount in a frying-pan and hit it with a hammer, it will blow up in your face.
Poor a large amount in a frying-pan and hit it with a hammer, it will blow explode the pan and kill you.

Engines burning high concentration Nitro-Methane must have all fuel and residue evacuated from the engine prior to starting the engine.
OTHERWISE a minuscule amount of left behind Nitro-Methane will ignite as any cylinder comes up on compression...
OFTEN EXPLODING THE ENGINE!

This fuel is used to power the most powerful vehicles and crafts in racing.
It can be used (with the proper education) as a power-adder in automotive engines as well.
It will often triple the output of an engine running on gasoline.