THE DEFINITIVE INTRODUCTION TO ROCKET PROPULSION THEORY AND APPLICATIONSThe recent upsurge in global government and private spending and in space flight events has resulted in many novel applications of rocket propulsion technology. Rocket Propulsion Elements remains the definitive guide to the field, providing a comprehensive introduction to essential concepts and applications. Led by industry veteran George P. Sutton and by Professor Oscar Biblarz, this book provides interdisciplinary coverage including thermodynamics, aerodynamics, flight performance, propellant chemistry and more.This thoroughly revised ninth edition includes discussion and analysis of recent advances in the field, representing an authoritative reference for students and working engineers alike. In any engineering field, theory is only as useful as it is practical; this book emphasizes relevant real-world applications of fundamental concepts to link "thinking" and "doing". This book will help readers:* Understand the physics of flight and the chemistry of propulsion* Analyze liquid, solid, gas, and hybrid propellants, and the engines they fuel* Consider high-temperature combustion, stability, and the principles of electric and chemical propulsion* Dissect the workings of systems in common use around the world today* Delve into the latest advances in materials, systems, propellants, and moreBroad in scope, rich in detail, and clear in explanation, this seminal work provides an unparalleled foundation in aerospace engineering topics. Learning through the lens of modern applications untangles complex topics and helps students fully grasp the intricacies on a more intuitive level. Rocket Propulsion Elements, Ninth Edition merges information and utility building a solid foundation for innovation.

PREFACE xvii1 Classification 11.1. Duct Jet Propulsion / 21.2. Rocket Propulsion / 41.3. Applications of Rocket Propulsion / 14References / 242 Definitions and Fundamentals 262.1. Definitions / 262.2. Thrust / 312.3. Exhaust Velocity / 332.4. Energy and Efficiencies / 352.5. Multiple Propulsion Systems / 382.6. Typical Performance Values / 392.7. Variable Thrust / 40Symbols / 41Greek Letters / 42Problems / 42References / 443 Nozzle Theory and Thermodynamic Relations 453.1. Ideal Rocket Propulsion Systems / 453.2. Summary of Thermodynamic Relations / 473.3. Isentropic Flow through Nozzles / 513.4. Nozzle Configurations / 733.5. Real Nozzles / 813.6. Nozzle Alignment / 914 Flight Performance 994.1. Gravity-Free Drag-Free Space Flight / 994.2. Forces Acting on a Vehicle in the Atmosphere / 1044.3. Basic Relations of Motion / 1064.4. Space Flight / 1134.5. Space Flight Maneuvers / 1274.6. Effect of Propulsion System on Vehicle Performance / 1334.7. Flight Vehicles / 1364.8. Military Missiles / 1444.9. Flight Stability / 147Problems / 150References / 1525 Chemical Rocket Propellant Performance Analysis 1545.1. Background and Fundamentals / 1565.2. Analysis of Chamber or Motor Case Conditions / 1615.3. Analysis of Nozzle Expansion Processes / 1665.4. Computer-Assisted Analysis / 1715.5. Results of Thermochemical Calculations / 1726 Liquid Propellant Rocket Engine Fundamentals 1896.1. Types of Propellants / 1926.2. Propellant Tanks / 1966.3. Propellant Feed Systems / 2036.4. Gas Pressure Feed Systems / 2056.5. Tank Pressurization / 2126.6. Turbopump Feed Systems and Engine Cycles / 2176.7. Rocket Engines for Maneuvering, Orbit Adjustments, or Attitude Control / 2296.8. Engine Families / 2326.9. Valves and Pipelines / 2336.10. Engine Support Structure / 239Problems / 240References / 2427 Liquid Propellants 2447.1. Propellant Properties / 2457.2. Liquid Oxidizers / 2557.3. Liquid Fuels / 2597.4. Liquid Monopropellants / 2647.5. Gaseous Propellants / 2667.6. Safety and Environmental Concerns / 267Problems / 268References / 2698 Thrust Chambers 2718.1. Injectors / 2768.2. Combustion Chamber and Nozzle / 2858.3. Low-Thrust Rocket Thrust Chambers or Thrusters / 3008.4. Materials and Fabrication / 3048.5. Heat Transfer Analysis / 3108.6. Starting and Ignition / 3228.7. Useful Life of Thrust Chambers / 3258.8. Random Variable Thrust / 3268.9. Sample Thrust Chamber Design Analysis / 328Problems / 339References / 3429 Liquid Propellant Combustion and Its Stability 3449.1. Combustion Process / 3449.2. Analysis and Simulation / 3489.3. Combustion Instability / 349Problems / 362References / 36210 Turbopumps and Their Gas Supplies 36510.1. Introduction / 36510.2. Descriptions of Several Turbopumps / 36610.3. Selection of Turbopump Configuration / 37110.4. Flow, Shaft Speeds, Power, and Pressure Balances / 37610.5. Pumps / 37810.6. Turbines / 38710.7. Approach to Turbopump Preliminary Design / 39010.8. Gas Generators and Preburners / 393Problems / 396References / 39711 Engine Systems, Controls, and Integration 39911.1. Propellant Budget / 39911.2. Performance of Complete or Multiple Rocket Propulsion Systems / 40111.3. Engine Design / 40311.4. Engine Controls / 41211.5. Engine System Calibration / 42311.6. System Integration and Engine Optimization / 430Problems / 432References / 43312 Solid Propellant Rocket Motor Fundamentals 43412.1. Basic Relations and Propellant Burning Rate / 43912.2. Other Performance Issues / 45712.3. Propellant Grain and Grain Configuration / 46212.4. Propellant Grain Stress and Strain / 47212.5. Attitude Control and Side Maneuvers with Solid Propellant Rocket Motors / 483Problems / 486References / 48813 Solid Propellants 49113.1. Classification / 49113.2. Propellant Characteristics / 49713.3. Hazards / 50513.4. Propellant Ingredients / 51113.5. Other Propellant Categories / 52213.6. Liners, Insulators, and Inhibitors / 52513.7. Propellant Processing and Manufacture / 528Problems / 531References / 53414 Solid Propellant Combustion and Its Stability 53614.1. Physical and Chemical Processes / 53614.2. Ignition Process / 54014.3. Extinction or Thrust Termination / 54114.4. Combustion Instability / 543Problems / 552References / 55315 Solid Rocket Motor Components and Design 55515.1. Rocket Motor Case / 55515.2. Nozzles / 56315.3. Igniter Hardware / 57715.4. Rocket Motor Design Approach / 581Problems / 589References / 59116 Hybrid Propellants Rocket Propulsion 59316.1. Applications and Propellants / 59416.2. Interior Hybrid Motor Ballistics / 59916.3. Performance Analysis and Grain Configuration / 60216.4. Design Example / 60716.5. Combustion Instability / 611Problems / 617References / 61817 Electric Propulsion 62017.1. Ideal Flight Performance / 62617.2. Electrothermal Thrusters / 63117.3. Nonthermal Electrical Thrusters / 63817.4. Optimum Flight Performance / 65417.5. Mission Applications / 65817.6. Electric Space-Power Supplies and Power-Conditioning Systems / 661Problems / 666References / 66818 Thrust Vector Control 67118.1. TVC Mechanisms with a Single Nozzle / 67318.2. TVC with Multiple Thrust Chambers or Nozzles / 68318.3. Testing / 68618.4. Integration with Vehicle / 687Problems / 688References / 68819 Selection of Rocket Propulsion Systems 69019.1. Selection Process / 69219.2. Criteria for Selection / 69719.3. Interfaces / 69919.4. Cost Reduction / 700References / 70220 Rocket Exhaust Plumes 70320.1. Plume Appearance and Flow Behavior / 70520.2. Plume Effects / 71720.3. Analysis and Mathematical Simulation / 723Problems / 724References / 72421 Rocket Testing 72621.1. Types of Tests / 72621.2. Test Facilities and Safeguards / 72821.3. Instrumentation and Data Management / 73521.4. Flight Testing / 73921.5. Postaccident Procedures / 740References / 741Appendix 1 Conversion Factors and Constants 743Conversion Factors (arranged alphabetically) / 743Constants / 746Appendix 2 Properties of the Earth's Standard Atmosphere 747Appendix 3 Summary of Key equations for Ideal Chemical Rockets 749Index 751