Rocket and Spacecraft Propulsion

Dr. R KANNAN
Asst. Professor (SG),
Department of Aerospace Engineering,
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
 Liquid Propellant Rocket Engine
• Monopropellant
– Same propellant will act as oxidizer and fuel

– Low thrust application

– Eg Hydrogen Peroxide,

• Bipropellant
– Separate Fuel and Oxidizer will be there

– High Thrust Applications like Launch Vehicles

– Eg LOH – LOX,

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Fig: Engine schematic for Pratt & Whitney RL-10-3-3-A, depicting major subsystems .
Department of Aerospace Engineering
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Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
 Liquid Propellant Rocket Engine
• Typical liquid-propellant rocket consists of four main parts:
– rocket engine

– Propellants

– propellant feed system

– propellant tanks

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Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
 Selection of Liquid Propellants
• High energy release per unit of propellant mass, combined
with low molecular weight of the combustion or
decomposition gases, for high specific impulse.

• Ease of ignition & Stable combustion.

• High density or high density impulse to minimize the size and

weight of propellant tanks and feed systems.

• Ability to serve as an effective coolant for the thrust chamber

(optimum combination of high specific heat, high thermal
conductivity, and high critical temperature).
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 Selection of Liquid Propellants
• Reasonably low vapor pressure at 160F (a frequent
specification value for military applications) for low tank
weight and low net positive pump suction head requirement.

• Low freezing point (preferably less than -65F) to facilitate

engine operation at low temperature.

• Absence of corrosive effects; compatibility with engine

construction materials.

• Low toxicity of raw propellants, their fumes, and their

combustion products.
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 Selection of Liquid Propellants
• For storables: good storability as assisted by a high boiling
point (preferably above 160F) and by the resistance to
deterioration during storage.

• Low viscosity (preferably less than 10 CP down to -65F) to

minimize pressure drops through feed system and injector.

• High thermal and shock stability to minimize explosion and

fire hazard.

• Low cost. & Availability.

Department of Aerospace Engineering

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Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham