Improved airbreathing launch vehicle performance with the use of rocket propulsion

1991 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. G. Kauffman ◽  
R. V. Grandhi ◽  
W. L. Hankey ◽  
P. J. Belcher
Keyword(s):  
Launch Vehicle ◽  
Vehicle Performance ◽  
Rocket Propulsion

Conceptual stage separation from widebody subsonic carrier aircraft for space access

2014 ◽  
Vol 118 (1209) ◽  
pp. 1279-1309 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Mehta ◽  
J. Bowles ◽  
S. Pandya ◽  
J. Melton ◽  
L. Huynh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trajectory Analysis ◽  
Launch Vehicle ◽  
Preliminary Design ◽  
Interference Effects ◽  
Technical Issue ◽  
Rocket Propulsion ◽  
Stage Separation ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Launch Systems ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

Abstract Stage separation is a critical technical issue for developing two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) launch systems with widebody carrier aircraft that use air-breathing propulsion and launch vehicle stages that use rocket propulsion. During conceptual design phases, this issue can be addressed with a combination of engineering methods, computational fluid dynamics simulations, and trajectory analysis of the mated system and the launch vehicle after staging. The outcome of such analyses helps to establish the credibility of the proposed TSTO system and formulate a ground-based test programme for the preliminary design phase. This approach is demonstrated with an assessment of stage separation from the shuttle carrier aircraft. Flight conditions are determined for safe mated flight, safe stage separation, and for the launch vehicle as it commences ascending flight. Accurate assessment of aerodynamic forces and moments is critical during staging to account for interference effects from the proximities of the two large vehicles. Interference aerodynamics have a modest impact on the separation conditions and separated flight trajectories, but have a significant impact on the interaction forces.

scholarly journals Launch vehicle performance using metallized propellants

1994 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 828-833 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan Palaszewski ◽  
Richard Powell
Keyword(s):  
Launch Vehicle ◽  
Vehicle Performance

scholarly journals Effect of ІІ stage propulsion system shut-down transients on launch vehicle performance capability

2005 ◽  
Vol 11 (1s) ◽  
pp. 21-23
Author(s):  
B.A. Shevchenko ◽  
◽  
E.P. Nazarenko ◽  
О.М. Ivanov ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Launch Vehicle ◽  
Propulsion System ◽  
Vehicle Performance ◽  
Performance Capability

A Method for Launch Vehicle Performance Analysis via Surrogate Modeling

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Steffens ◽  
Stephen J. Edwards ◽  
Dimitri N. Mavris ◽  
Patrick Dees ◽  
Manuel Diaz
Keyword(s):  
Performance Analysis ◽  
Surrogate Modeling ◽  
Launch Vehicle ◽  
Vehicle Performance

scholarly journals Outline of Liquid Rocket Propulsion System of H-IIA Launch Vehicle.

1998 ◽  
Vol 46 (535) ◽  
pp. 453-457
Author(s):  
Yukio FUKUSHIMA ◽  
Hiroyuki NAKATSUJI ◽  
Ryuuji NAGAO ◽  
Takashi MAEMURA ◽  
Keiichi HASEGAWA
Keyword(s):  
Launch Vehicle ◽  
Propulsion System ◽  
Rocket Propulsion ◽  
Liquid Rocket Propulsion ◽  
Liquid Rocket

Ecological aspect of launch vehicles development by criterion of minimal cost

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 114-119
Author(s):  
A. A. Baldin
Keyword(s):  
Space Debris ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Launch Vehicle ◽  
Rocket Engines ◽  
Launch Vehicles ◽  
Rocket Propulsion ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
Maximal Performance ◽  
Stage Separation ◽  
The Future

One of the topical problems in modern aerospace engineering is accordance between ecological requirements and performance of the vehicle. On the other hand, problem of economical efficiency leads to change of the main criterion of designing to the minimization of costs (instead of maximal performance). According to modern trends of “low-cost” vehicles, different concepts of the future cost-effective launch vehicles are considered. It is necessary to validate these concepts according to requirements of ecological safety for the purpose of detection of the dominant launch vehicle configuration. Typical configurations of the future 'low-cost' launch vehicle are presented by 6 conceptual groups (Koelle, 2001). Conceptual group 1 (CG1) is presented by the Ballistic “Single stage to orbit” (SSTO) reusable vehicle. All vehicles which use classical rocketry scheme of the propulsion trajectory are called “Ballistic” i.e. the ballistic vehicle is lifted to orbit under the impact of rocket engines thrust. CG1-vehicle is able to reach the low earth orbit (LEO) without stage separation reducing the number of required rocket engines. Technological feasibility of SSTO concepts is proven by numerous studies (Koelle, 2001). CG2 representatives are ballistic “Two stages to orbit” (TSTO) reusable vehicles. The difference between CG1 and CG2 consists in application of vacuum rocket engines in the second stage  and, consequently, stage separation. CG2 are the most mass-effective vehicles. CG3 is presented by the winged SSTO vehicles with rocket propulsion by “Lifting body” aerodynamic scheme. Ascensional force is provided by the aerodynamic shape of the vehicle’s structure at high speeds. Winged TSTO vehicles with rocket propulsion and parallel or tandem staging form the CG4. The winged configuration provides wide landing capability for both stages. CG5 is presented by winged TSTO vehicles with airbreathing propulsion in the first stage and rocket-propelled second stage. Airbreathing jet engines provide high reusability ratio comparing with other concepts as well as the widest landing capability. Aerospace Plane with scramjet-rocket propulsion forms CG6. The vehicle is able to reach near-cosmic speed in rarefied layers of the atmosphere and then accelerate with rocket engines. The most ecologically important resemblance of represented concepts is reusability. This reduces space debris formation (due to lack of waste hardware). Reusable launch vehicles can also be used to return the spent satellites. Structural differences between the concepts form 3 criterions of comparison by ecological impact: 1) propellant toxicity; 2) safety of surface facilities (vehicle damage inside the atmosphere); 3) probability of space debris formation (vehicle damage outside the atmosphere). Comparison of the concepts by these criterions allows substantiating the most ecologically acceptable direction of research. Results of the comparison demonstrate that the most ecologically acceptable low-cost launch vehicle configuration is: Ballistic SSTO or TSTO reusable launch vehicle with “LOX+LH2” propellant. The results can be explained by following way: combustion products of the propellant “liquid oxygen + liquid hydrogen” are absolutely safe for environment. It also provides maximal performance of rocket engine (due to the highest specific impulse). Ballistic ascent scheme allows using relatively simple technologies and provides high reliability level. In combination with minimal time of atmospheric flight this provides high level of safety for surface facilities. These results may be used for substantiation of dominant research direction.

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