Qualitative-Performance and Technology

Internal ballistics, performance, and construction of rocket engines are considered in this chapter. \(\bullet \) Under- and over-expansion, and adaption; nozzle-divergence loss; and effects of propellant density and \(I_{sp}\) on stage mass are all discussed. Nozzle-flow equations for mass-flow rate, velocity, and area ratio are derived. Nozzle-flow separation, maximum thrust, thrust controls, wider altitude operations, and side loads are all considered. Characteristic velocity, thrust coefficient, and \(I_{sp}\) , and their experimental and theoretical values towards engine development are discussed. Frozen and equilibrium flow are introduced. \(\bullet \) A two-phase flow model is included. \(\bullet \) Considering real flow effects and turn-back angles, the optimum nozzle contours are discussed. Rao’s charts for optimum nozzle contours are presented. \(\bullet \) Characteristics of plug and ED nozzles are discussed. \(\bullet \) Polymeric materials, composites, and structural as well as high-temperature alloys, and their applications in the construction of solid and liquid rockets are considered. \(\bullet \) Under the sections worked examples and at the end a large number of concept questions and numerical problems with answers are included.