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Offtherock, tahanson43206 has direct server placement control or upload to it so it is hosted on it and then can be linked for image display.
They also have secondary hardening and machining as required after being made.
the MDRS is posted in the Mars Analogue Research Stations forum folder
For SpaceNut re post in HowTo...
https://newmars.com/forums/viewtopic.ph … 60#p233960
Thanks for that link to the discussion in the phpBB# forum!
Also ... your updates in the wind topic are interesting, for sure, but they are about rotary wind mills. The Airloom system does NOT use rotary blades. If you haven't had a chance to look at the web site, you might find the pictures interesting. I don't try to upload the pictures when I upload the monthly report. You will see a group of entrepreneurs at work.
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Hoping your roof replacement is going well! We are enjoying a lull before the next hurricane.(th)
It is a misconception that the blade needs to be attached to a shaft that spins as the blade moves or spins in the plain of the belt that they are attached to a belt, acts as a summing of the wind forces that are pushing on the blades. The number of blade count increase from one to a sum that no long increases the force that is collected from the speed of the traveling wind.
The rotation takes place around the center of the struction that has pulleys that attach to the structure that alowws for the belt to move around it as the blade is pushed.
The belt allows for slow rpm wind to create power based on ratio of the belt length to shaft of the generator circumference. This is simular to that of an engine crank shaft to that of the alternator pulleys for ratio.
The rpm is measure and timed from a single point on the belt to get a number for the ratio of spin that the genrator will rquire.
Wind power is generated by the force wind exerts on the blades of a turbine, causing the turbine’s shaft to rotate at a speed of 10 to 20 revolutions per minute (rpm). To produce power efficiently, wind turbines require wind speeds above seven miles per hour for electricity generation
Wind Speed and RPM for1 kW Power Output
The wind speed and rotational speed (RPM) required to produce 1 Kw of power from a wind turbine are dependent on several factors, including the turbine's design, size, and the specific wind conditions.
Factors Influencing Power Output
Turbine Size and Design: Smaller wind turbines, often used in residential settings, typically require higher RPMs to generate power compared to larger, utility-scale turbines. This is because larger turbines compensate for slower rotation with longer blades, which capture more wind and have a greater swept area.
Wind Speed: The power produced by a wind turbine is directly related to the cube of the wind speed. This means that a small increase in wind speed can lead to a significant increase in power output. For example, if the wind speed doubles, the power output can increase by a factor of 2^3=8.
Tip Speed Ratio (TSR): The TSR is the ratio of the speed of the blade tip to the wind speed. Wind turbines are designed to operate efficiently within a specific TSR range, which influences the optimal RPM for power generation at a given wind speed.
Generator Requirements: Most generators require a specific rotational speed, often in the range of 1,000 to 1,800 RPM to produce electricity at the desired frequency of 50 to 60 hz.
Gearboxes are commonly used in wind turbines to increase the relatively slow rotational speed of the blades to the higher speed required by the generator.
Typical RPM Ranges for 1Kw Turbines
For small wind turbines, such as those rated for 1 Kw the rotor RPM typically falls within the range of 200 to 400 RPM to begin generating electricity. The exact RPM at which 1 Kw to begin generating electricity is produced will vary based on the specific turbine model and the prevailing wind speed.
torque and speed to generator 1kw of powerThinkingKicking off 5 searchesLooking at 77 sitesPutting it all together To produce 1 kilowatt (kW) of power, the required torque and speed are inversely related, meaning there isn't one single combination. You can use a high torque with low speed or low torque with high speed to achieve the same power output. The specific values depend on the generator's design and operating efficiency. Key relationship The fundamental relationship is expressed by the mechanical power formula:P=\tau \cdot \omega where: P is mechanical power in watts (W).\tau is torque in newton-meters (N·m).\omega is angular velocity in radians per second (rad/s). Since 1 kW is 1000 W, the ideal mechanical input power required is 1000 W. For a real-world generator, you must account for its efficiency, which will require a higher mechanical input than the electrical output. Calculating torque and speed To determine the values for torque (\tau ) and speed (n), you must choose one variable and calculate the other.
The formulas below include the constant for converting revolutions per minute (rpm) to radians per second. With revolutions per minute (rpm)\tau [N\cdot m]=9550\cdot \frac{P[kW]}{n[rpm]}n[rpm]=9550\cdot \frac{P[kW]}{\tau [N\cdot m]}
Note:
These formulas assume 100% efficiency. For a real-world generator, you must divide the output power by the generator's efficiency (e.g., 0.8 for 80% efficiency).
Example calculations for a 1 kW output:
The table below shows example torque values for a range of common speeds, assuming an 85% generator efficiency.Input Power (ideal): 1kW=1000WInput Power (with 85% efficiency): 1000W/0.85\approx 1176W Generator Speed (n) Input Torque (\tau )Calculation Example50 rpm224 N·m(9550\times 1.176)/50300 rpm37.3 N·m(9550\times 1.176)/300900 rpm12.4 N·m(9550\times 1.176)/9001800 rpm6.2 N·m(9550\times 1.176)/18003600 rpm3.1 N·m(9550\times 1.176)/3600
Factors that influence the required torque and speed Generator efficiency:
Real generators are not 100% efficient.
The mechanical input power must be greater than the electrical output power to overcome losses from friction, heat, and electrical resistance.
Prime mover:
The specific combination of torque and speed will also be influenced by the driving power source (e.g., a motor, wind turbine, or water turbine), which has its own torque-speed characteristics.
Application:
The required speed may be fixed for certain applications. For example, to produce 60 Hz power, many generators must operate at a specific synchronous speed, such as 1800 rpm or 3600 rpm.
First equation for wind created power.
Air speed, mass, and force are related through the principles of aerodynamics and Newton's laws of motion. Force is the product of mass and acceleration (F=ma). For objects moving through air, the speed (specifically, the velocity relative to the air) influences the aerodynamic forces acting on the object, such as lift and drag. These forces are proportional to the density of the air, the relative velocity squared, and the object's frontal area.
How they are connected:
Force & Mass/Acceleration:
.
Newton's second law states that a net force applied to an object causes it to accelerate, changing its speed. An object's mass dictates how much it resists this change in motion (inertia).
Air Speed & Aerodynamic Force:
.
When an object moves through air, it experiences aerodynamic forces. The faster the relative air speed, the greater the force exerted by the air on the object, with the force increasing by the square of the velocity.
Mass Flow Rate:
.
The mass of air passing a point over time is the mass flow rate, which can be calculated by multiplying density, velocity, and area.
Examples:
Aircraft Lift:
.
A wing is shaped to make air travel faster over the top surface than the bottom. This increased speed reduces pressure, creating an upward lift force.
Falling Objects:
.
As an object falls, air resistance (a form of aerodynamic drag) opposes gravity. This resistance, which depends on the object's speed, increases as the object falls faster.
Terminal Velocity:
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Eventually, the drag force equals the force of gravity, and the object stops accelerating, reaching a constant speed called terminal velocity. A parachute increases drag by increasing the surface area, which slows the descent
second is the force against the windmill blade.
Wind turbine blades generate force from the interaction between their speed, the air's speed and density, and their shape, but the mass of the blade itself is a factor that influences how quickly it accelerates and its resistance to changes in motion, affecting the turbine's overall rotational dynamics. Specifically, the blade experiences aerodynamic lift and drag forces as it moves through the wind, with the tips moving faster and generating more lift than the base. This interaction, combined with the mass of the blade, creates a system where the blade's mass affects the overall moment of inertia, influencing how the blade responds to the varying forces of the wind and how quickly it reaches an optimal operating speed.
Aerodynamic Forces & Blade Motion
Air Speed:
.
The speed of the air passing the blade is a combination of the real wind speed and the "headwind" created by the blade's own rotation.
Lift and Drag:
.
The air moving over the blade's surface creates aerodynamic forces: lift, which causes rotation, and drag, which opposes motion.
Relative Air Speed:
.
The relative air speed varies along the blade, with the tips moving much faster than the roots, resulting in greater lift at the tips.
Angle of Attack:
.
Blades will gather speed until their motion reduces the angle of attack of the air to approximately zero, at which point they stop generating lift and maintain their speed.
Mass of the Blade
Moment of Inertia:
A blade's mass is a crucial component of its moment of inertia, a measure of its resistance to changes in rotational motion.
Acceleration:
A larger mass (and thus greater moment of inertia) means a smaller acceleration, which affects how long it takes for the blades to reach their steady-state operational speed.
Fatigue and Design:
Blade mass is also an important consideration for fatigue loading and the overall design of the wind turbine, with longer, heavier blades generally being characteristic of turbines with higher power ratings.
Relationship Between Factors
Energy Transfer:
A turbine's blades extract power from the moving air, converting kinetic energy into rotational mechanical energy.
Mass and Speed:
While the mass of the air is what carries the energy, the mass of the blade itself is what receives the force from the air and translates it into rotation.
Dynamic Balance:
There is a complex dynamic balance between wind speed, blade speed, blade geometry, air density, and the blade's mass to achieve efficient power generation
seems this is a choice
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › RL10
Thrust (altitude): 24,750 lbf (110.1 kN) · Specific impulse: 465.5 seconds (4.565 km/s) · Engine weight, dry: 664 lb (301.2 kg) · Height: 163.5 in (4.14 m) ...
AI Overview
+7
The RL10 is a high-performance, liquid-fueled upper-stage rocket engine from Aerojet Rocketdyne that uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen (LH2/LOX) propellants. Key specifications include thrusts around 25,000 pounds (110 kN) for models like the RL10B-2, very high specific impulses of over 465 seconds, and an expander cycle. The engine's performance is highly reliable and it has been continuously upgraded for missions like NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) and commercial launchers such as Atlas and Delta.
Key Specifications (RL10B-2 Model):
Thrust: 24,750 lbf (110 kN)
Specific Impulse (Isp): 465.5 seconds (4.565 km/s)
Engine Weight (dry): 664 lb (301.2 kg)
Propellants: Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) and Liquid Oxygen (LOX)
Cycle Type: Expander Cycle
Propellant Mixture Ratio: ~5.88 to 1 (Oxygen:Hydrogen by mass)
Key Features and Development
High Performance:
The RL10 is the world's highest-performance upper-stage rocket engine, known for its high efficiency thanks to its expander cycle and expandable nozzle.
Reliability:
It has a long history of reliable operation, with millions of accumulated hot-fire seconds and a demonstrated reliability of 0.9998.
Evolution:
The engine family has been continuously upgraded since its original design for the Centaur upper stage. Modern versions incorporate features like 3D printing and extendable nozzles for improved performance.
Applications:
The RL10 powers upper stages for various launch vehicles, including the Space Launch System (SLS) Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) and Exploration Upper Stage (EUS), as well as ULA's Atlas and Delta rockets and the Vulcan Centaur.
Manufacturing:
Recent advancements involve using 3D printing to create components from materials like copper, which enables complex geometries not possible with traditional methods.
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › RL10
Thrust (altitude): 24,750 lbf (110.1 kN) · Specific impulse: 465.5 seconds (4.565 km/s) · Engine weight, dry: 664 lb (301.2 kg) · Height: 163.5 in (4.14 m) ...
AI Overview
+7
The RL10 is a high-performance, liquid-fueled upper-stage rocket engine from Aerojet Rocketdyne that uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen (LH2/LOX) propellants. Key specifications include thrusts around 25,000 pounds (110 kN) for models like the RL10B-2, very high specific impulses of over 465 seconds, and an expander cycle. The engine's performance is highly reliable and it has been continuously upgraded for missions like NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) and commercial launchers such as Atlas and Delta.
Key Specifications (RL10B-2 Model):
Thrust: 24,750 lbf (110 kN)
Specific Impulse (Isp): 465.5 seconds (4.565 km/s)
Engine Weight (dry): 664 lb (301.2 kg)
Propellants: Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) and Liquid Oxygen (LOX)
Cycle Type: Expander Cycle
Propellant Mixture Ratio: ~5.88 to 1 (Oxygen:Hydrogen by mass)
Key Features and Development
High Performance:
The RL10 is the world's highest-performance upper-stage rocket engine, known for its high efficiency thanks to its expander cycle and expandable nozzle.
Reliability:
It has a long history of reliable operation, with millions of accumulated hot-fire seconds and a demonstrated reliability of 0.9998.
Evolution:
The engine family has been continuously upgraded since its original design for the Centaur upper stage. Modern versions incorporate features like 3D printing and extendable nozzles for improved performance.
Applications:
The RL10 powers upper stages for various launch vehicles, including the Space Launch System (SLS) Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) and Exploration Upper Stage (EUS), as well as ULA's Atlas and Delta rockets and the Vulcan Centaur.
Manufacturing:
Recent advancements involve using 3D printing to create components from materials like copper, which enables complex geometries not possible with traditional methods.
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DUAL LIQUID FLYBACK BOOSTER FOR THE SPACE SHUTTLE
SHUTTLE LIQUID FLY BACK BOOSTER CONFIGURATION
in essence the Falcon first stage have achived the reuse concept of the article
The Universal Reusable First Stage
Fly back booster patent
Lockheed's first-stage flyback booster
Lockheed explored reusable launch systems with concepts like the Reusable First Stage (RFS) Vehicle, also known as the Liquid Flyback Booster (LFBB), designed to replace the Space Shuttle's solid rocket boosters. This system featured a first stage that would launch vertically, then separate from the main spacecraft, and autonomously glide or fly back to a runway for reuse, significantly reducing operational costs and improving safety. While a full-scale, flight-tested scale model was developed, the project, which included a fully reusable design for the entire Space Shuttle system, was ultimately not funded and never implemented with the actual Space Shuttle.
Key Aspects of the LFBB Concept
Replace Solid Boosters:
The LFBB was designed to replace the existing solid rocket boosters (SRBs) of the Space Shuttle with fully reusable liquid-fueled boosters.Self-Powered Return:
After boosting the shuttle and external tank, the LFBB would perform a powered, winged return flight to the launch site or a runway, similar to a large aircraft.
Cost Savings:
The main goal was to dramatically lower operational costs by eliminating the need to refurbish and rebuild expendable boosters after each mission.
Improved Safety & Performance:
The fully reusable liquid boosters were also expected to increase safety by providing greater flexibility, such as single-engine-out capability during ascent, and improve overall system performance.
Autonomous Operation:
The LFBB was designed to be capable of autonomous return and landing at the launch site.
Development and Outcome
Early Concepts:
.
The idea for a reusable flyback first stage dates back to the early 1970s as part of Lockheed's vision for a fully reusable shuttle system.
Scale Model Testing:
.
In the mid-2000s, Lockheed Martin Space Systems conducted flight tests of a scale model of a liquid flyback booster as part of internally funded research.
Lack of Funding:
.
Despite its potential, the fully reusable rocket design was ultimately shelved due to budget cuts, and the project never moved beyond the concept and testing phases. The Space Shuttle continued to use its expendable solid rocket boosters for its operational lifespan
The Delta IV Heavy rocket uses liquid hydrogen (LH2) as fuel and liquid oxygen (LOx) as oxidizer for its three main RS-68A engines, located on the common booster cores (first stage), and for the RL10 engine in its second stage. At liftoff, the three engines ignite, burning the hydrogen and oxygen to generate immense thrust, with the two side boosters jettisoning after they run out of fuel and the central booster continuing to fire before separating.
First Stage (Common Booster Cores)
Engines:
Each of the three Common Booster Cores (CBCs) is powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68A engine.
Propellants:
These engines burn liquid hydrogen (LH2) as the fuel and liquid oxygen (LOx) as the oxidizer.
Function:
At liftoff, all three engines ignite to provide maximum thrust. The center core then throttles down to conserve fuel while the side boosters continue at full power. Once the side boosters are depleted, they separate from the rocket, and the central booster ramps back up to full thrust to carry the rocket through the thickest parts of the atmosphere.
Second Stage
Engine: The Delta IV Heavy's upper stage uses a single RL10 engine.
Propellants: Like the first stage, this engine also uses liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOx).
Function: After the first stage boosters are jettisoned, the RL10 engine ignites for one or more burns to propel the payload into its final orbit.
The Delta IV Heavy's second stage, the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage (DCSS), is powered by a single Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 engine, which uses liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX) as propellants to fuel the engine and place the payload into its final orbit. The DCSS consists of a large, cylindrical LH2 tank with the LOX tank suspended below it, from which the RL10 engine, featuring an extendable carbon-carbon nozzle for improved performance, is attached.
Engine and Propellants
Engine: A single, vacuum-optimized Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 engine is used.
Propellants: The engine burns liquid hydrogen (LH2) as the fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer, which are cryogenic propellants.
Stage Architecture
Unique Design:
The DCSS features a unique two-tank architecture, where the liquid hydrogen tank forms the upper section and carries the payload launch loads.
LOX Tank and Engine:
The LOX tank is suspended from the LH2 tank and provides structural support for the engine.
Function
Orbital Insertion:
After the first stage separates, the second stage ignites to perform the final engine burns.
Precision Control:
The RL10 engine's ability to restart and adjust its thrust is crucial for fine-tuning the rocket's trajectory to achieve the precise orbit required for the payload.
The Artemis rocket's RS-25 core stage engines are fueled by a liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX) propellant combination, chosen for its superior specific impulse. Liquid hydrogen serves as the primary fuel, while liquid oxygen acts as the oxidizer, providing the necessary thrust to power the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.
Fueling Process
Liquid Hydrogen:
.
A large volume of liquid hydrogen is stored in a cryogenic tank within the SLS core stage and is cooled to extremely low temperatures of -423 degrees Fahrenheit.
Liquid Oxygen:
.
Liquid oxygen is also stored in a cryogenic tank, with a separate tank and line running around the hydrogen tank.
Turbopumps:
.
Due to the vastly different densities and flow rates of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, the RS-25 engines use two separate turbopumps to manage each propellant.
Combustion:
.
Both the fuel and oxidizer are fed into the RS-25 engines to produce thrust for the Artemis missions.
Key Considerations
Cryogenic Challenges:
.
Liquid hydrogen's extremely low temperature makes it difficult to work with, requiring well-insulated tanks and careful handling to prevent leaks and maintain the liquid state.
Efficiency:
.
The LOX/LH2 combination is used because it offers the maximum possible energy for the fuel's weight, providing a highly efficient engine.
New Engines for Future Missions:
.
While the first Artemis missions use modified space shuttle RS-25 engines, NASA is now producing new RS-25 engines for future missions, starting with Artemis V, to ensure a continued supply for the SLS program
The second stage of the Artemis rocket, known as the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS), is fueled with liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX) to power its single RL10 engine, providing the necessary boost to send the Orion spacecraft towards the Moon. It also carries hydrazine for its Reaction Control System (RCS), used for orientation and stabilization in space.
Details of the ICPS (Second Stage):
Propellants:
The main propellant for the ICPS engine is a combination of liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX).
Engine:
The RL10 engine is used in this stage, with the Artemis 2 mission debuting a newer RL-10C2 model.
Purpose:
After the SLS core stage and Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) complete their burn and separate, the ICPS uses its RL10 engine to provide the Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI) burn, sending the Orion spacecraft out of Earth's orbit and toward the Moon.
Hydrazine:
In addition to its main engine fuel, the ICPS carries hydrazine for its Reaction Control System, which is used for small attitude adjustments and maneuvering in space.
Fueling Process:
1. Preparation:
The ICPS is transported to NASA's Kennedy Space Center and then to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).
2. Fueling:
Technicians then fuel the ICPS with its required propellants, including liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, and hydrazine.
3. Integration:
The ICPS is then mated with the rest of the SLS rocket elements for launc
The Delta rocket's second stage is powered by a restartable Aerojet AJ10-118K engine, which burns hypergolic propellants: Aerozine-50 (a fuel) and nitrogen tetroxide (N₂O₄, an oxidizer). These propellants react on contact, eliminating the need for a complex ignition system and allowing for multiple restarts during the flight to achieve different orbits or adjust trajectory.
Key details about the Delta second stage:
Engine: Aerojet AJ10-118K.
Propellants: Hypergolic mixture of Aerozine-50 and N₂O₄.
Restart capability: The engine could restart up to six times, allowing for multiple burns and fine-tuning of the rocket's trajectory.
Control: The engine could gimbal for pitch and yaw control, while nitrogen thrusters provided roll control during coast phases and powered flight.
Tanks: The tanks were made of stainless steel and pressurized with helium gas
Delta rocket stage engines used a variety of fuels depending on the stage and model, with earlier versions using RP-1 (kerosene) and liquid oxygen (LOX), or hypergolic propellants like UDMH and IRFNA, while later models, particularly the Delta IV, used liquid hydrogen (LH2) and LOX for their high-efficiency first stages. Solid rocket boosters, a common feature on many Delta variants, also use a solid fuel mixture of ammonium perchlorate, aluminum powder, and a rubber-like fuel.
First Stage Fuels
Early Delta Models (Delta I/II): Utilized RP-1 (kerosene) and liquid oxygen (LOX).
Delta IV: Employed liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX) for the large, powerful main rocket engines.
Second Stage Fuels
Early Delta Models (Thor-Delta/Delta I):
.
Used hypergolic propellants, a mix of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) and inhibited red fuming nitric acid (IRFNA).
Later Delta Models (Delta III/IV):
.
transitioned to a liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen combination for improved safety and efficiency.
Third Stage (Optional) Fuels
Solid Boosters:
.
Solid-fueled motors were often added to stages for extra thrust, using a solid propellant mix containing ammonium perchlorate (oxidizer), aluminum powder (fuel), and polybutadiene (fuel binder).
Third Stage Motors:
.
The solid-fueled Altair motors used for some Delta versions burned solid propellant, similar to other solid rocket booster
Atlas rocket stages use different fuels depending on the component: the main first stage (or core) uses liquid oxygen and RP-1 (kerosene). The upper stage, the Centaur, uses liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, which is a highly efficient propellant. Strap-on boosters, when used, are solid rocket motors containing a form of solid fuel.
First Stage (Booster)
Propellant: Liquid oxygen (LOX) and RP-1 (a refined kerosene).
Engine(s): A single, Russian-made RD-180 engine powers the first stage of the Atlas V. Older Atlas versions used various Rocketdyne engines.
Second Stage (Upper Stage)
Propellant: Liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2).
Engine(s): The Centaur upper stage uses one or two Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 engines. This liquid-hydrogen fueled stage is known for its high efficiency and ability to be restarted in space.
Strap-on Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs)
Propellant:
A solid fuel containing powdered aluminum and an oxidizer called ammonium perchlorate.
Function:
These are added to the Atlas V to provide additional liftoff thrust for heavier payloads, and can be configured in different numbers depending on the mission
The second stage engine for the Atlas rocket (specifically the Atlas V and its predecessors, known as the Centaur upper stage) is powered by a combination of liquid hydrogen (fuel) and liquid oxygen (oxidizer). These cryogenic propellants are burned in an Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 engine, which is known for its high energy and restart capability.
Here's a breakdown:
Propellant:
The RL10 engine uses liquid hydrogen as its fuel and liquid oxygen as its oxidizer.
Engine Type:
The engine is the RL10, a high-energy, American-made engine manufactured by Aerojet Rocketdyne (formerly Pratt & Whitney).
Function:
This high-energy propellant combination is ideal for upper stages like the Centaur, allowing it to efficiently place payloads into orbit with high precision.
Handling:
Liquid hydrogen is a very high-energy fuel but also a cryogenic fluid with significant handling challenges
New Glenn uses a dual-propellant strategy: its first stage uses seven BE-4 engines powered by liquid oxygen and liquid methane (liquid natural gas), while the second stage uses two BE-3U engines fueled by liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. This combination allows the rocket to maximize thrust with the first stage and achieve high efficiency with the second stage for orbital flight.
First Stage: Thrust and Methane Power
Engines: Seven BE-4 engines.
Propellants: Liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid natural gas (LNG), which is also known as liquid methane.
Purpose: To provide the massive thrust needed to lift the rocket off the pad and carry it through Earth's atmosphere.
Second Stage: Efficiency and Hydrogen Power
Engines: Two BE-3U engines.
Propellants: Liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2).
Purpose: The use of highly efficient liquid hydrogen allows the second stage to place payloads into precise orbits with greater efficiency in the vacuum of space.
Key Differences in Propellants
Methane vs. Hydrogen:
Methane is denser and provides higher thrust, which is ideal for the powerful first stage, while hydrogen is more efficient, making it a better choice for the upper stage where efficiency is critical for performance.
Oxygen-rich Staged Combustion:
The BE-4 engines use an oxygen-rich staged combustion cycle to improve performance.
Expander Cycle:
The BE-3U engines utilize an expander cycle, which is known for its efficiency.
The New Glenn rocket's second stage is powered by two BE-3U engines fueled with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen (LH2/LOX). These engines are optimized for vacuum operation, providing a large thrust and allowing for mission-specific performance, such as direct payload injection into high-energy orbits.
Engine Details
Name: BE-3U (Vacuum-optimized)
Fuel: Liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX)
Configuration: Two BE-3U engines on the second stage
Thrust: Together, they produce over 320,000 pounds of vacuum thrust
Features:
Large nozzle extensions for efficient expansion in a vacuum.
In-space restart capabilities for increased mission versatility.
Derived from the BE-3 engine used on the New Shepard suborbital rocket
The first stage of the Vulcan rocket uses liquefied natural gas (methane) and liquid oxygen as fuel, powered by two Blue Origin BE-4 engines, while its Centaur V upper stage uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for its Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 engines. Solid rocket boosters can also be attached to the first stage for additional thrust at liftoff.
The Vulcan rocket's second stage, known as the Centaur V, is powered by two Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 engines that run on liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen fuel. These engines are designed to precisely place payloads into orbit by providing the energy for the final stages of the mission.
First Stage
Engines: Two Blue Origin BE-4 engines.
Fuel: Liquefied natural gas (methane) and liquid oxygen.
Purpose: To lift the rocket off the launch pad and provide power for the initial phase of flight.
Second Stage (Centaur V)
Engines: Two Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 engines.
Fuel: Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
Purpose: To provide precise, restartable thrust to accurately place payloads into their intended orbits.
Solid Rocket Boosters (Optional)
Fuel: Graphite-epoxy composite.
Purpose: To provide extra thrust during liftoff for heavier payloads.
Key details about the second stage:
Name: Centaur V
Engines: Two Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10C engines
Fuel: Liquid hydrogen (LH₂) and liquid oxygen (LO₂)
Purpose: To provide the precise final orbital insertion and high-energy orbits needed for complex payloads.
Manufacturer: Aerojet Rocketdyne is the manufacturer of the RL10 engine.
A few posts that might make a library of rocket engines to fuel information follows.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is fueled by a rocket-grade kerosene (RP-1) and liquid oxygen (LOX) propellant, which is mixed and ignited in its Merlin engines. Nine Merlin engines power the first stage for launch and stage separation, while a single, larger Merlin Vacuum engine powers the second stage. To achieve ignition, a pyrophoric mixture called triethylaluminum-triethylborane (TEA-TEB) is injected into the combustion chamber.
Propellants and Engine Types
RP-1: A highly refined kerosene used as the fuel.
Liquid Oxygen (LOX): The oxidizer, which is subcooled to enhance density and performance.
Merlin Engines: The family of engines developed by SpaceX.
First Stage: Powered by nine Merlin engines.
Second Stage: Powered by a single Merlin Vacuum engine, designed for the vacuum of space and capable of multiple restarts.
Engine Ignition
Propellant Injection: RP-1 and LOX are delivered to the combustion chamber.
Pyrophoric Ignition: A small amount of TEA-TEB is injected.
Spontaneous Ignition: This mixture ignites spontaneously upon contact with the oxygen.
Stable Burn: The initial combustion provides a reliable ignition source for the main RP-1/LOX mixture.
Why This System Works
High Thrust: The combination of RP-1 and LOX in the Merlin engines produces significant thrust for liftoff.
Reusability: The Merlin engines were designed for recovery and reuse.
Restart Capability: The TEA-TEB ignition system allows for multiple engine restarts, which is crucial for precise orbital maneuvers and stage separation.
The Falcon 9 rocket's second stage uses liquid oxygen (LOX) and rocket-grade kerosene (RP-1) as its propellants, which are stored in tanks made from an aluminum lithium alloy. A single Merlin Vacuum Engine on the second stage ignites after separation from the first stage and can be restarted multiple times to place payloads into different orbits.
Fuel and Oxidizer
Liquid Oxygen (LOX): This is the oxidizer, providing the oxygen needed for the engine to burn the fuel.
RP-1 (Kerosene): This is the fuel.
How it Works
1. Ignition:
After the first stage separates, a few seconds later, the second stage's single Merlin Vacuum Engine ignites.
2. Multi-Restart Capability:
The second stage can restart its engine multiple times, allowing it to deploy various payloads into different orbits during a single mission.
3. Propellant Delivery:
The propellants are fed from their respective tanks through plumbing into the engine's combustion chamber.
4. Combustion:
The liquid oxygen and RP-1 burn at high pressure and temperature, generating a massive amount of energy.
5. Payload Deployment:
After achieving the desired orbit, the engine cuts off, and the second stage deploys its payload.
Key Features
Propellant Mixture:
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Like the first stage, the second stage uses liquid oxygen and RP-1 as propellants.
Vacuum Engine:
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The second stage uses a specially designed Merlin Vacuum Engine, optimized for operation in the vacuum of space.
Cold Gas System:
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A cold nitrogen gas attitude control system is used for precise control and orientation of the rocket in space, ensuring accurate payload placement.
The main issue for rocket design is the combination for an engine ISP that we can purchase to build with.
Common high-performance rocket fuel and oxidizer combinations include Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) / Liquid Oxygen (LOX) for maximum specific impulse (Isp), and Liquid Methane (CH4) (Methalox) / LOX, which offers a good balance of Isp and storability. For simplicity and ignition, hypergolic propellants like Aerozine 50/NTO ignite on contact but are toxic. Less common choices include RP-1 (kerosene)/LOX for high density and HTPB/N2O for solid rocket motors.
This video explains the basics of rocket fuels and specific impulse:56s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95ROPl-ZObk&t=544
purdueMET
YouTube · Mar 26, 2020High-Specific Impulse Combinations
Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) / Liquid Oxygen (LOX): Offers the highest specific impulse due to the low molecular mass of its exhaust gases. This is the most efficient chemical combination, making it ideal for high-performance upper stages, but LH2 requires massive tanks due to its low density.
This video discusses different types of rocket fuels and their properties:56s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI8TuufCp0M&t=711
Scott Manley
YouTube · Apr 9, 2013Balanced Combinations
Liquid Methane (CH4) / Liquid Oxygen (LOX) (Methalox):
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Offers a good compromise between specific impulse and density. Methane burns cleaner than kerosene, is more efficient, and is easier to produce on other celestial bodies, making it a popular choice for reusable rockets like SpaceX's Starship.
RP-1 (Kerosene) / Liquid Oxygen (LOX):
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A traditional combination that provides high thrust and density, leading to smaller propellant tanks compared to LH2. However, it has a lower specific impulse than cryogenics.Hypergolic Combinations
Aerozine 50/Nitrogen Tetroxide (NTO): and Monomethylhydrazine (MMH)/NTO: These fuels ignite upon contact, eliminating the need for an igniter and providing reliable ignition, which is valuable for upper stages and reaction control systems. They are highly toxic and less efficient than other options, according to Wikipedia.com.
Solid Rocket Motor Propellants
HTPB/Nitrous Oxide (N2O): A combination for solid rocket motors, where the fuel (HTPB) and oxidizer (N2O) are combined in a solid matrix.
This video demonstrates how to make rocket fuel from household items:55s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSzgvP0 … N5tD&t=170
Thoisoi2 - Chemical Experiments!
YouTube · Jan 22, 2022
Key Considerations for Propellant Choice
Specific Impulse (Isp): A measure of engine efficiency, with higher Isp indicating more thrust for the same amount of propellant over time.
Density: Determines the volume of tanks needed.
Storability: How easy a propellant is to store, with cryogens like LH2 requiring complex insulation and management.
Application: The overall mission requirements dictate the best combination
The good news is
TBD 2025 Vulcan Centaur • Dream Chaser 1
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida
A United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur rocket will launch on its second demonstration flight with Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser cargo vehicle for the International Space Station. The Dream Chaser is a lifting body resupply spacecraft that will launch on top of a rocket and land on a runway. This will be the Dream Chaser’s first flight to space. The Vulcan Centaur rocket will fly in the VC4L configuration with four GEM-63XL solid rocket boosters, a long-length payload fairing, and two RL10 engines on the Centaur upper stage. Delayed from August 2022, December 2023, January 2024, April 2024 and September 2024.Updated: May 05
Darpa projects.
AI Overview
US Military's XS-1 Space Plane Will Be Built by Boeing ...The military's AR-22-powered space plane, called the Phantom Express under the DARPA XS-1 program, has been halted; Boeing ended its development in early 2020, redirecting funds to other projects. The Phantom Express would have been a reusable, rocket-like vehicle that launched vertically and landed horizontally on a runway, utilizing modified Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) technology in the AR-22 engine to deliver satellites cheaply and rapidly. Although the project was cancelled, the AR-22 engine completed successful ground tests demonstrating its ability to be rapidly reused, a key requirement of the program.
Program Background
Goal:
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The XS-1 program aimed to develop an aircraft-like, uncrewed spaceplane to provide routine, on-demand, and low-cost access to space for national security needs, according to darpa.mil.
Vehicle & Engine:
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Boeing was developing the Phantom Express, a 100-foot-long, 62-foot-wingspan vehicle powered by one Aerojet Rocketdyne AR-22 engine.
Engine Technology:
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The AR-22 was a modified version of the SSME, chosen for its reliability and ability to operate for 10 missions in 10 days.
Key DevelopmentsEngine Testing:
In July 2018, the AR-22 engine successfully completed a series of 10 firings in 10 days, a significant milestone in proving the technology's reusability, noted Spaceflight Now.
Ground Infrastructure:
Aerojet Rocketdyne also developed processes and technology for rapid engine drying to enable the fast turnaround required for such frequent firings.
Project Termination
Boeing's Decision:
In January 2020, Boeing announced it would cease its involvement in the XS-1 program, a decision that effectively ended the development of the Phantom Express.
Reasoning:
Boeing stated that it would redirect its investments to other projects in the air, sea, and space domains.
Program Outcome:
While the project was canceled, the successful engine tests and data gathered contributed to the broader goal of reducing space access costs
seems like it was heavy to move and it sure looks more robust.
Hurricane forecasters track Tropical Storm Fernand in the Atlantic
Hurricane forecasters have turned their attention from Erin to other developing tropical systems in the Atlantic, including one that has developed into Tropical Storm Fernand.
That system, which is associated with showers and thunderstorms, is currently about 405 miles south-southeast of Bermuda, the National Hurricane Center said in an outlook issued at 5 p.m. ET Saturday, Aug. 23.
Fernand is expected to "move well east of Bermuda and across the open waters of the subtropical North Atlantic," according to the outlook.
Some strengthening is forecast over the next 48 hours, and Fernand could reach near hurricane strength by Monday, Aug. 25. The storm is expected to weaken on Tuesday, Aug. 26, according to the outlook.
Before becoming a tropical storm, forecasters said they did not expect any major impact on the United States mainland.
"At this time, direct wind and rain impacts are not expected in the U.S.," AccuWeather's lead hurricane expert, Alex DaSilva, said previously, "but rip currents and rough surf could impact some East Coast beaches again next week.”
The storm, which was moving north at 10 to 15 mph at the time, was thought to possibly follow a similar path to Hurricane Erin's and even come close, or directly hit, Bermuda as a hurricane, according to AccuWeather.
“This storm is expected to produce several inches of rain, wind gusts of 60-80 mph, rough seas and surf and storm surge of several feet,” AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said in the earlier forecast.