Description
Best-selling classic text covering all major aspects of rocket propulsion, now updated to cover the latest industry trends
Building on the success of the previous editions, the Tenth Edition of Rocket Propulsion Elements offers a thorough introduction to the basic principles of rocket propulsion, a description of the various components of rocket propulsion systems, and an understanding of how rocket propulsion is applied to flight vehicles. The strength of the book lies in its delivery of both theory and practical applications, covering rocket propulsion for guided missiles, space flight, and satellite flight clearly and comprehensively.
This Tenth Edition includes the latest advances in the field, such as improvements in materials, systems design, applications, propellants such as chemical propellants, manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing, rocket-stage recovery and reuse, and new types of launch vehicles. Older system types that have fallen out of use are replaced with updated examples of systems representative of those used in the industry today. New problems are introduced in each chapter, and the book is accompanied by an online gas dynamics and two-stage flight vehicle calculator.
Rocket Propulsion Elements includes information on:
- Liquid, solid, and hybrid chemical propulsion and electric propulsion concepts, illustrated using detailed examples
- Nozzle theory and thermodynamic relations, covering isentropic flow, nozzle configurations including cone- and bell-shaped nozzles, and nozzle alignment
- Flight performance, covering launch vehicles and satellite systems, basic relations of motion, space flight maneuvers, and flight stability
- Liquid propellants, covering liquid oxidizers, fuels, and monopropellants as well as safety and environmental concerns
- Thrust chambers, propellant feed systems, and turbomachinery, covering materials, fabrication, and heat transfer analysis
- Solid propellant fundamentals, properties of energetic materials, combustion stability, and construction of solid propellant rocket motors
Rocket Propulsion Elements is an excellent learning resource for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students in the fields of mechanical and aerospace engineering taking courses related to rocket propulsion, spacecraft propulsion, or advanced space propulsion. The book is also useful for practicing engineers and scientists in aerospace related industries and research and development firms.
Table of Contents
PREFACE TO THE 10TH EDITION xv
In Memoriam George Paul Sutton (1920–2020) / xvii
1 Classification 1
1.1. Jet Propulsion / 2
1.2. Rocket Propulsion / 5
Chemical Rocket Propulsion / 5
Combinations of Air-Breathing Jet Engines and Rocket Motors / 8
Nuclear Rocket Engines / 10
Electric Rocket Propulsion (EP) / 11
Other Rocket Propulsion Concepts / 12
International Rocket Propulsion Effort / 13
1.3. Applications of Rocket Propulsion / 14
Space Launch Vehicles / 14
Spacecraft / 19
Military and Other Applications / 20
References / 23
2 Definitions and Fundamentals 25
2.1. Definitions / 25
2.2. Thrust / 29
2.3. Exhaust Velocity / 31
2.4. Energy and Efficiencies / 32
2.5. Multiple Parallel Propulsion Systems / 35
2.6. Typical Performance Values / 36
2.7. Variable Thrust / 37
Symbols / 38
Greek Letters / 39
Problems / 39
References / 41
3 Nozzle Theory and Thermodynamic Relations 42
3.1. Ideal Rocket Propulsion Systems / 42
3.2. Summary of Thermodynamic Relations / 44
3.3. Isentropic Flow Through Nozzles / 47
Velocity / 48
Nozzle Flow and Throat Condition / 52
Thrust and Thrust Coefficient / 56
Characteristic Velocity and Specific Impulse / 59
Under- and Over-expanded Nozzles / 61
Influence of Chamber Geometry / 65
3.4. Nozzle Configurations / 66
Cone- and Bell-Shaped Nozzles / 66
3.5. Real Nozzles / 73
Boundary Layers / 73
Multiphase Flow / 75
Other Phenomena and Losses / 76
Performance Correction Factors / 76
3.6. Nozzle Alignment / 81
Symbols / 82
Greek Letters / 83
Subscripts / 83
Problems / 84
References / 86
4 Flight Performance 88
4.1. Gravity-Free Drag-Free Space Flight / 88
4.2. Forces Acting on a Vehicle in the Atmosphere / 91
4.3. Basic Relations of Motion / 94
4.4. Space Flight / 100
Elliptical Orbits / 103
Deep Space / 106
Perturbations / 107
Mission Velocity / 110
4.5. Space Flight Maneuvers / 112
Reaction Control System (RCS) / 115
4.6. Effect of Propulsion System on Vehicle Performance / 117
4.7. Flight Vehicles / 119
Multistage Vehicles in Series / 120
Stage Separation / 121
Launch Vehicles / 124
4.8. Military Missiles / 127
4.9. Flight Stability / 130
Symbols / 131
Greek Letters / 132
Subscripts / 133
Problems / 133
References / 134
5 Chemical Rocket Propellant Performance Analysis 136
5.1. Background and Fundamentals / 137
5.2. Analysis of Chamber or Motor Case Conditions / 143
5.3. Analysis of Nozzle Expansion Processes / 147
5.4. Computer-Assisted Analysis / 150
5.5. Results of Thermochemical Calculations / 151
Symbols / 162
Greek Letters / 163
Subscripts / 163
Problems / 163
References / 164
6 Liquid Propellant Rocket Engine Fundamentals 165
6.1. Types of Propellants / 168
6.2. Propellant Tanks / 171
6.3. Propellant Feed Systems / 176
Local Pressures and Flows / 177
6.4. Gas Pressure Feed Systems / 178
6.5. Tank Pressurization / 183
Factors Influencing the Required Mass of Pressurizing Gas / 185
Simplified Analysis for the Mass of Pressurizing Gas / 186
6.6. Turbopump Feed Systems and Engine Cycles / 187
Engine Cycles / 188
6.7. Rocket Engines for Maneuvering, Orbit Adjustments, or Attitude Control / 196
6.8. Engine Families / 199
6.9. Valves and Pipelines / 200
6.10. Engine Support Structure / 204
Symbols / 205
Subscripts / 206
Problems / 206
References / 208
7 Liquid Propellants 210
7.1. Propellant Properties / 214
Economic Factors / 214
Performance of Propellants / 214
Common Physical Hazards / 215
Desirable Physical Properties of Propellants / 217
Ignition, Combustion, and Flame Properties / 218
Property Variations and Specifications / 219
Additives / 219
7.2. Liquid Oxidizers / 219
Liquid Oxygen (O2) (LOX) / 220
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) / 221
Nitric Acid (HNO3) / 221
Nitrogen Tetroxide (N2O4 or NTO) / 222
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) / 222
Oxidizer Cleaning Process / 223
7.3. Liquid Fuels / 223
Hydrocarbon Fuels / 223
Liquid Hydrogen / 224
Hydrazine (N2H4) / 225
Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine [(CH3)2NNH2] / 226
Monomethylhydrazine (CH3NHNH2) / 226
Metallic Hydrogen / 226
7.4. Liquid Monopropellants / 227
Hydrazine as a Monopropellant / 227
7.5. Gaseous Propellants / 230
7.6. Safety and Environmental Concerns / 231
Symbols / 232
Greek Letters / 232
Problems / 232
References / 234
8 Thrust Chambers 237
8.1. Injectors / 237
Injector Flow Characteristics / 246
Factors Influencing Injector Behavior / 248
8.2. Combustion Chamber and Nozzle / 250
Volume and Shape / 250
Heat Transfer Distribution / 252
Cooling of Thrust Chambers / 253
Hydraulic Losses in the Cooling Passage / 258
Thrust Chamber Wall Loads and Stresses / 259
8.3. Low-Thrust Rocket Thrust Chambers or Thrusters / 262
8.4. Materials and Fabrication / 265
Additive Manufacturing of Rocket Engine Components / 271
8.5. Heat Transfer Analysis / 272
General Steady-State Heat Transfer Relations / 272
Transient Heat Transfer Analysis / 276
Steady-State Transfer to Liquids in Cooling Channels / 278
Radiation / 281
8.6. Start-up and Ignition / 282
8.7. Useful Life of Thrust Chambers / 285
8.8. Random Variable Thrust / 286
8.9. Sample Thrust Chamber Design Analysis / 287
Symbols / 296
Greek Letters / 297
Subscripts / 297
Problems / 297
References / 300
9 Liquid Propellant Combustion and its Stability 303
9.1. Combustion Process / 303
Injection/Atomization zone / 304
Rapid Combustion Zone / 306
Streamtube Combustion Zone / 306
9.2. Analysis and Simulation / 306
9.3. Combustion Instability / 307
Rating Techniques / 313
Control of Instabilities / 314
Symbols / 317
Problems / 317
References / 318
10 Turbopumps and their Gas Supplies 320
10.1. Introduction / 320
10.2. Descriptions of Several Turbopump Assemblies / 321
10.3. Selection of Turbopump Configuration / 325
10.4. Flow, Shaft Speeds, Power, and Pressure Balances / 329
10.5. Pumps / 330
Classification and Description / 330
Pump Parameters / 331
Influence of Propellants / 336
10.6. Turbines / 338
Classification and Description / 338
Turbine Performance and Design Considerations / 340
10.7. Approach to Turbopump Preliminary Design / 341
10.8. Gas Generators and Preburners / 344
Symbols / 345
Greek Letters / 346
Subscripts / 346
Problems / 346
References / 347
11 Engine Systems, Controls, and Integration 350
11.1. Propellant Budget / 350
11.2. Performance of Complete or Multiple Rocket Propulsion Systems / 352
11.3. Engine Design / 355
11.4. Engine Controls / 361
Control of Engine Starting and Thrust Buildup / 363
Automatic Controls / 368
Control by Computer / 369
11.5. Engine System Calibration / 371
Engine Health Monitoring System / 375
11.6. System Integration and Engine Optimization / 377
Symbols / 378
Greek Letters / 378
Subscripts / 378
Problems / 378
References / 379
12 Solid-propellant Rocket Motor Fundamentals 381
12.1. Basic Relations and Propellant Burning Rate / 388
Mass Flow Relations / 390
Burning Rate Relation with Pressure / 391
Burning Rate Relation with Ambient Temperature (Tb) / 394
Variable Burning Rate Exponent n / 397
Burning Enhancement by Erosion / 398
Other Burning Rate Enhancements / 400
12.2. Other Performance Issues / 401
12.3. Propellant Grain and Grain Configuration / 405
Slivers / 412
12.4. Propellant Grain Stress and Strain / 413
Material Characterization / 414
Structural Design / 416
12.5. Attitude Control and Side Maneuvers with Solid-Propellant Rocket Motors / 422
Symbols / 423
Greek Letters / 425
Subscripts / 425
Problems / 425
References / 427
13 Solid Rocket Propellants 431
13.1. Classification / 431
13.2. Propellant Characteristics / 436
13.3. Hazards / 442
Inadvertent Ignition / 442
Aging and Useful Life / 443
Case Overpressure and Failure / 443
Detonation Versus Deflagration / 444
Hazard Classification / 444
Insensitive Munitions / 445
Upper Pressure Limit / 447
Toxicity / 447
Safety Rules / 447
13.4. Propellant Ingredients / 447
Inorganic Oxidizers / 452
Fuels / 453
Binders / 453
Burning-Rate Modifiers / 454
Plasticizers / 454
Curing Agents or Crosslinkers / 454
Energetic Binders and Plasticizers / 455
Organic Oxidizers or Explosives / 455
Additives / 456
Particle-Size Parameters / 456
13.5. Other Propellant Categories / 458
Gas Generator Propellants / 458
Smokeless or Low-Smoke Propellant / 459
Igniter Propellants / 460
13.6. Liners, Insulators, and Inhibitors / 460
13.7. Propellant Processing and Manufacture / 463
Symbols / 466
Greek Letters / 466
Problems / 466
References / 468
14 Solid Propellant Combustion and its Stability 472
14.1. Physical and Chemical Processes / 472
14.2. Ignition Process / 475
14.3. Extinction or Thrust Termination / 476
14.4. Combustion Instability / 478
Acoustic Instabilities / 478
Analytical Models and Simulation of Combustion Stability / 481
Combustion Stability Assessment, Remedy, and Design / 482
Vortex-Shedding Instability / 484
Problems / 485
References / 485
15 Solid Rocket Motor Components and Design 488
15.1. Rocket Motor Case / 488
Metal Cases / 491
Wound-Filament-Reinforced Plastic Cases / 494
15.2. Nozzles / 496
Classification / 496
Design and Construction / 498
Heat Absorption and Nozzle Materials / 502
15.3. Igniter Hardware / 507
Pyrotechnic Igniters / 508
Pyrogen Igniters / 509
Igniter Analysis and Design / 511
15.4. Rocket Motor Design Approach / 512
Symbols / 518
Greek Letters / 518
Subscripts / 518
Problems / 519
References / 520
16 Hybrid Propellants Rocket Propulsion 523
16.1. Applications and Propellants / 525
16.2. Hybrid Rocket Engine Interior Ballistics / 528
16.3. Performance Analysis and Grain Configuration / 531
Dynamic Behavior / 533
16.4. Design Example / 535
16.5. Combustion Instability / 539
Symbols / 542
Greek Letters / 543
Problems / 543
References / 544
17 Electric Propulsion 547
17.1. Ideal Flight Performance / 552
17.2. Electrothermal Thrusters / 556
Resistojets / 556
Arcjets / 558
17.3. Nonthermal Electrical Thrusters / 562
Electrostatic Devices / 562
Basic Relationships for Electrostatic Thrusters / 563
Electromagnetic Thrusters / 569
17.4. Optimum Flight Performance / 575
17.5. Mission Applications / 579
17.6. Electric Space-power Supplies and Power-conditioning Systems / 580
Power Generation Units / 581
Power-Conditioning Equipment (PCU or PPU) / 583
Symbols / 584
Greek Letters / 585
Problems / 586
References / 588
References for Table: 17–7 / 590
18 Thrust Vector Control (TVC) 591
18.1. TVC Mechanisms with a Single Nozzle / 593
18.2. TVC with Multiple Thrust Chambers or Nozzles / 601
18.3. Testing / 603
18.4. Integration with Vehicle / 605
Problems / 606
References / 606
19 Selection of Rocket Propulsion Systems 608
19.1. Selection Process / 610
19.2. Criteria for Selection / 614
19.3. Interfaces / 616
19.4. Cost Reduction / 616
19.5. Optimization Results / 618
References / 620
20 Rocket Exhaust Plumes 621
20.1. Plume Appearance and Flow Behavior / 621
Spectral Distribution of Radiation / 627
Multiple Nozzles / 630
Plume Signature / 630
Vehicle Base Geometry and Recirculation / 631
Compression and Expansion Waves / 632
20.2. Plume Effects / 633
Smoke and Vapor Trails / 633
Toxicity / 634
Noise / 634
Spacecraft Surface Contamination / 635
Radio Signal Attenuation / 636
Plume Impingement on Structures / 637
Heat Transfer to Clusters of Liquid Propellant Rocket Engines / 637
20.3. Analysis and Mathematical Simulation / 638
Problems / 638
References / 639
21 Rocket Testing 641
21.1. Types of Tests / 641
21.2. Test Facilities and Safeguards / 643
Monitoring the Environment and Controlling Toxic Materials / 646
21.3. Instrumentation and Data Management / 648
Measurement System Terminology / 649
Test Measurements / 650
Health Monitoring System (HMS) / 651
21.4. Flight Testing / 652
21.5. Postaccident Procedures / 652
Symbols / 653
References / 653
Appendix 1 Conversion Factors and Constants 655
Conversion Factors (Arranged Alphabetically) / 655
Constants / 657
Appendix 2 Properties of the Earth’s Standard Atmosphere 658
Appendix 3 Summary of Key Equations for Ideal Chemical Rockets 659
Appendix 4 Rockets Book Calculator 662
Index 665
