Basics of Space Flight: Rocket Propellants
Annotated Bibliography
Brauenig, R. A. (n.d.). Basics of Space Flight: Rocket Propellants. Retrieved May 10, 2016, from
http://www.braeunig.us/space/propel.htm
This rocket and space technology webpage describes the chemicals mixture used to produce thrust in rockets, how oxidizing reacts with different fuels, as well as mixture ratios needed to produce propellants. Robert A. Braeunig, a civil engineering displays his passion for rocket and space technology by dissecting every aspect of space vehicles. Braeunig explicates rocket propellants in three forms of engines: liquid propellant, solid propellant, and hybrid propellant, a mixture of both solid and liquid, and the role oxygen plays in them as oxygen is needed for combustion. Liquid propellants rockets contain the fuel and oxidizer in separate tanks, and are combined through a system of valves and pumps to produce combustion. Brauenig continues to discuss the positives of liquid propellants as being very controlled, allowing stoppage and throttle control, as well as being low density. Brauenig further expands by listing common propellants, as petroleum, cryogens, and hypergols. Solid propellant motors are operated as a steel casting, filled with a fuel and oxidizer compounds that burn at a rapid rate. This produces a mass amount of hot gas, producing thrust. Brauenig also mentions two categories of solid propellants: homogenous and composite. Homogenous propellants are usually bases and nitrocellulose, producing very little fumes. Composites offer long burning times and are usually man-made chemical formulas. Lastly, hybrid propellants are used as an intermediary between solid and liquid. The liquid portion is injected to the solid, producing combustion and thrust. This method offers high performance, and can be easily controlled. Brauenig continues on by listing many chemical formulas, as well as physical properties as their density, boiling point, and molecular weight. In addition to that, another chart describing rocket propeller performance when mixed with other fuels. Brauenig dissects the thrust mechanics of the rocket. The information provided can open new ideas of developing the best method to power/lift a man maned aerial craft.
Brown, T. R., & Lydon, M. C. (n.d.). Testing of Paraffin-Based Hybrid Rocket Fuel Using Hydrogen Peroxide Oxidizer [Scholarly project]. Retrieved May 10, 2016, from http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.542.7934&rep=rep1&type=pdf
The testing of a new alternative to rocket fuel was tested using hydrogen peroxide oxidizer. This experiment, conducted by the department of astronautical engineering in the United States of America in 2005, aims to fix the low volume caused by the hybrid rocket propellant, using paraffin wax and hydrogen and peroxide H2O2. The paraffin was hypothesized to create a liquid wave above the otherwise combustion area to increase the volume of the combustion. The H2O2 was hypothesized to be an oxidizer that produced a higher regression rate than the typical oxygen gas. The results of the experiment was a success. Timothy R. Brown and Michael C. Lydon had proven that the paraffin fuel had the potential to produce high regression rates through the formation of wax. The average regression rate is 2.6mm/sec, whereas the experiment produced a rate at of 3mm/sec. This experiment potentially found a solution identified in Brauenig’s webpage, making hybrid rocket propellant more effective. This in turn can be used as a method for flight in a single maned aerial vehicle. Brauenig’s webpage stated that hybrid propellant is the ideal rocket engine, however very hard to maintain and manage. This study potentially fixed the hybrid propellant, leaving potential to develop new method for flight.
Helicopter Flying Handbook. (2012). Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: United States Department of Transportation.
This book outlines all components, sections and systems of the helicopter. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introduces the major sections of the helicopter, and which section correlates with the other. This chapter begins with the introduction of the rotor mechanisms in the helicopter. The FAA discusses the use of three different rotor system, all with the basic function of rotating rapidly to produce downwash and lift. The FAA continues to introduce the anti-torque system. This is often produce through a tail rotor as the torque is produced as a counteraction to the rotating blades. The chapter continues to explaining the two types of engines: reciprocating and turbine. Reciprocating engines are often used for smaller helicopters, containing smaller pistons. Turbine engines uses a compressor, combustion chamber, turbine, and gearbox to combust into tubes, giving energy to turn and rotate blades. The FAA continues to explain the components of the turbine engine, followed discussing the transmission system, fuel system, electrical system and hydraulics. The fuel system is an intricate design of filters, and many valves for safety and power control. Throughout each section, there are diagrams to help in understanding different systems. To end off, the FAA outlines stability augmentation systems and anti-icing programs. Unlike Chris Woodford’s page, this chapter went into detail of how a helicopter works, whereas Woodford’s page outlined the significance of external factors, The FAA provided exceptional information, making any who read it into experts. This source can be used in developing a method of flight for a single maned aerial craft, through the use of rotors. In addition, the hydraulics systems and stability augmentation systems could be implemented into the research and final product.