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This topic is inspired by work of NewMars members in pursuit of SSTO ...
RGClark, kbd512 and GW Johnson are among the most frequent posters in this challenging pursuit.
This topic is offered for NewMars members who might wish to contribute to a collection of links, images and text about materials that could be delivered to LEO via an SSTO.
The quote below is from an attempt by Google to collect atom types that are likely to be present. More are likely to be available, because the Google search did not appear to include guidance systems or other electronics:
Rockets are made from a variety of materials designed to withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, and the harsh environment of space. These materials can be broadly categorized into metals, composites, ceramics, and ablative materials.
1. Metals:
Aluminum Alloys: Widely used due to their light weight and good thermal properties, found in rocket structures and components like wings and fuselage. Common examples include 7075, 6061, 6063, 2024, and 5052 aluminum alloys.Atomic Composition: Primarily Aluminum (Al), alloyed with elements like Zinc (Zn), Magnesium (Mg), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), and Lithium (Li).
Titanium Alloys: Known for their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, used in critical components like airframes and engine parts.Atomic Composition: Primarily Titanium (Ti), alloyed with elements like Aluminum (Al) and Vanadium (V).
Stainless Steel: Utilized for propellant tanks and structural components, offering high strength and resistance to corrosion and temperature extremes.Atomic Composition: Primarily Iron (Fe), alloyed with Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), and other elements.
Nickel-based alloys (e.g., Inconel): Used in rocket engine components that endure high temperatures and pressures, such as combustion chambers and nozzles, due to their exceptional heat and oxidation resistance.Atomic Composition: Primarily Nickel (Ni), with various compositions including Chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe), Niobium (Nb), Molybdenum (Mo), Aluminum (Al), and Titanium (Ti).
Refractory Metals (e.g., Tungsten, Molybdenum, Niobium): Employed in high-heat areas like nozzles due to their extremely high melting points.
Atomic Composition: Tungsten (W), Molybdenum (Mo), Niobium (Nb).2. Composites:
Carbon Fiber Composites (e.g., Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic - CFRP): Lightweight and strong, increasingly used in rocket structures like fairings and even propellant tanks.Atomic Composition: Primarily Carbon (C) fibers embedded in a polymer matrix.
Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs): Used in thermal protection systems for their high temperature resistance.Atomic Composition: Ceramic matrix (e.g., Silicon Carbide - SiC, Alumina - Al2O3) reinforced with fibers like carbon or silicon carbide.
3. Ceramics:Silica Fibers: Used in heat shields due to their excellent insulating properties.
Atomic Composition: Silicon (Si) and Oxygen (O).4. Ablative Materials:
Phenolic resins: Used in some heat shields to protect against extreme heat by eroding away and dissipating heat during atmospheric re-entry.
Atomic Composition: Complex organic compounds containing Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O).Temperature Resistance: Components, particularly in the propulsion system and heat shield, must endure extreme heat, ranging from cryogenic temperatures to thousands of degrees Celsius.
Corrosion Resistance: Materials must resist corrosive effects from fuels and the environment.
Ductility and Malleability: Some materials, like aluminum, need to be easily formed into complex shapes.Oxidation Resistance: Materials exposed to high temperatures require resistance to oxidation.
All materials used to make a successful rocket will be valuable in LEO.
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