Propulsion systems Definition: Different types of propulsion systems: (1) Rockets (2) Jet engines Chapter 1 The jet

propulsion principles

Examples of propulsion: (1) Birds and fish (2) Octopus and jellyfish

(3) Chinese fireworks

(4) V-2 missile (liquid rocket), Saturn V, boosters of space shuttles, etc.

1.1 Basic concepts: fluid momentum and reaction force. Newtons laws of motion : (1) Generation of thrust (Fig. 1.1, a cold-gas rocket):

(2) Force balance (with the effect of shearing forces ignored) and thrust calculation: At t = 0: For t > 0 :
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p is a function of x, y, z, and t for complex geometries -> difficult to determine. A simpler way to estimate the steady-state thrust of a chemical rocket:

where m(dot) = rate at which mass flows out of the chamber ue = averaged exhaust velocity. (3) Work outputs : Trust x velocity = work/time = power. Thrust x arm length = torque; Torque x revolutions /time = power. An ancient steam-turbine (uses thrust to produce shaft work) design:

1.2. Rockets and propellers 1.2.1. Rockets: (1) Chemical rockets (solid-propellant and liquidpropellant). Thrust is produced by the chemical energy released from the propellant. (Note that, more energy can be released in ionization and nuclear reactions) (2) Nuclear rockets: use nuclear reaction products as propellant (unthinkable!) or use the heat generated in a nuclear reaction to heat a working fluid.

(3) Electrical thrusters: ionized gases (consisting of free electrons and ions) are accelerated in highintensity electrostatic fields to very high velocities. Generation of plasmas: electron bombardment; resistance heating, arc discharging heating, microwave heating, etc.

Performance for key rocket technologies: (Rocket performance table) Remarks: (1) Specific impulse Isp = Thrust/[Propellant mass flow rate). (Sea-level gravitational acceleration)]. (2) Cold-gas propulsion system uses a compressed gas to develop thrust. 1.2.2. Propellers Fig. 1.7

(1) Thrust and efficiency of a propeller or a turbine blade. Thrust developed by the propeller in Fig. 1.7:

Minimum possible fuel-energy consumption rate:

where e = engine thermal efficiency

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= shaft power/input chemical energy rate. Thus,

Maximum possible value for a propeller:

For chemical rockets:

and the minimum energy consumption rate is :

Combining equations:

For the same (minimum) rate of chemical energy consumption:

(2) Aerodynamic considerations. Fig. 1.8 Velocities at the tip of a propeller blade

To maintain good flow over the blade: (A) Small angle of attack (turning angle) to prevent flow separation. (B) Relative approach velocity must not be too close to the speed of sound. 1.3 Air-breathing engines: turbojets, turbofans, ramjets, etc. 1.3.1. Turbojet, turbofan, and turboprop engines (Fig. 5.1)

1.3.2. Ramjets

1.3.3. Fundamental propulsion consideration of airbreathing engines.

Thrust: Rate of energy consumption:

where t = thermal efficiency of turbine engines.

At a constant flight speed u, T ~ air drag ~ u2 -> E(dot) ~ u3

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