Advanced Propulsion Systems

Space propulsion systems have a great influence on our ability to travel to other planets or how cheap a satellite can provide TV programs. This book provides an up-to-date overview of all kinds of propulsion systems ranging from classical rocket technology, nuclear propulsion to electric propulsion systems, and further to micro-, propellantless and even breakthrough propulsion, which is a new program under development at NASA. The author shows the limitations of the present concepts and how they could look like in the future. Starting from historical developments, the reader is taken on a journey showing the amazing technology that has been put on hold for decades to be rediscovered in the near future for questions like how we can even reach other stars within a human lifetime. The author is actively involved in advanced propulsion research and contributes with his own experience to many of the presented topics. The book is written for anyone who is interested in how space travel can be revolutionized.

"Commissioned by the European Space Agency."--P. [4] of cover.

The reprint focused on innovative developments in the fields of advanced propulsion system and thermal management technology. Propulsion systems develop along the direction of wide speed range and long endurance both for civil aircrafts and military applications. The research works of propulsion systems mainly include overall design, combustion, aerodynamic, internal flows and heat transfer etc. High efficiency is pursed not only by optimized designs but also from development of materials as well as application of new fuel. Along with development of high efficiency propulsion system, thermal management technology is also developed to meet the demand of external aerodynamic heating and internal combustion heat at a high flight speed. Common thermal management technology includes blade cooling in gas turbines and regenerative cooling in rocket engines. Thermal protection of engines achieves high efficiency by heat transfer enhancement, such as use of superficial fluid, nanofluids and new designed roughened surfaces. Also, some heat transfer enhancement methods in heat exchangers, battery and fuel cells are also introduced into propulsion systems.

The revised edition of this practical, hands-on book discusses the launch vehicles in use today throughout the world, and includes the latest details on advanced systems being developed, such as electric and nuclear propulsion. The author covers the fundamentals, from the basic principles of rocket propulsion and vehicle dynamics through the theory and practice of liquid and solid propellant motors, to new and future developments. He provides a serious exposition of the principles and practice of rocket propulsion, from the point of view of the user who is not an engineering specialist.