Fundamentals of Rocket Propulsion

The book follows a unified approach to present the basic principles of rocket propulsion in concise and lucid form. This textbook comprises of ten chapters ranging from brief introduction and elements of rocket propulsion, aerothermodynamics to solid, liquid and hybrid propellant rocket engines with chapter on electrical propulsion. Worked out examples are also provided at the end of chapter for understanding uncertainty analysis. This book is designed and developed as an introductory text on the fundamental aspects of rocket propulsion for both undergraduate and graduate students. It is also aimed towards practicing engineers in the field of space engineering. This comprehensive guide also provides adequate problems for audience to understand intricate aspects of rocket propulsion enabling them to design and develop rocket engines for peaceful purposes.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Basic Principle of Propulsion: 1.3 Brief History of Rocket Engine: 1.4 Classification of Propulsive Devices 1.5 Types of Rocket Engine 1.6 Applications of Rocket Engine 1.7 Review Questions 1.8 References and Suggested Readings Chapter 2 Aerothermochemistry of Rocket Engine 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Basic Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics 2.3 Thermodynamic Laws 2.4 Reacting System 2.5 Basic Principles of Gas Dynamics 2.6 Review Questions 2.7 Problems 2.8 References and Suggested Readings Chapter 3 Elements of Rocket Propulsion 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Ideal Rocket Engine 3.3 Thrust Equation of Rocket Engine 3.4 Rocket Performance Parameters 3.5 Review Questions 3.6 Problems 3.7 References Chapter 4 Rocket Nozzle 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Basics of CD Nozzle Flow 4.3 CD Nozzle Geometry 4.4 Effect of Ambient Pressure 4.5 Advanced Rocket Nozzle 4.6 Thrust Vectoring Nozzles 4.7 Losses in Rocket Nozzle 4.8 Performance of Exhaust Nozzle 4.9 Thrust Coefficient 4.10 Review Questions 4.11 Problems 4.12 References and Suggested Readings Chapter 5 Spacecraft Flight Performance 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Forces Acting on Vehicle 5.3 The Rocket Equation 5.4 Space Flight and its Orbit 5.5 Interplanetary Transfer Path 5.6 Single Stage Rocket 5.7 Multistage Rocket Engine 5.8 Review Questions 5.9 Problems 5.10 References and Suggested Readings Chapter 6: Chemical Rocket Propellants 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Classification of Chemical Propellant 6.3 General Characteristics of Propellant 6.4 Solid Propellant 6.5 Liquid Propellants 6.6 Gel Propellants 6.7 Hybrid Propellants 6.8 Review Questions 6.9 References and Suggested Readings Chapter 7: Solid Propellant Rocket Engine 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Basic Configuration 7.3 Physical Processes of Solid Propellant Burning 7.4 Burning Mechanism of Solid Propellant 7.5 Measurement of Propellant Burning/Regression Rate 7.6 Thermal Model for Solid Propellant Burning 7.7 Solid Propellant Rocket Engine Operation 7.8 Internal Ballistics of SPR Engine 7.9 Propellant Grain Configuration 7.10 Evolution of Burning Surface 7.11 Ignition System 7.12 Modeling of Flow in a Side Burning Grain of Rocket Engine Chapter 8: Liquid Propellant Rocket Engine 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Basic Configuration 8.3 Types of Liquid Propellant Rocket (LPR) Engines 8.4 Combustion of Liquid Propellant 8.5 Combustion Chamber Geometry 8.6 Combustion Instabilities in LPRE 8.7 Ignition System 8.8 Cooling System 8.9 Heat Transfer Analysis for Cooling System 8.10 Review Questions 8.11 Problems Chapter 9: Hybrid Propellant Rocket Engine 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Combustion Chamber 9.3 Propellants for HPRE 9.4 Grain Configuration 9.5 Combustion of Hybrid Propellant 9.6 Ignition of Hybrid Propellant 9.7 Combustion Instability in HPRE 9.8 Review Questions 9.9 Problems Chapter 10: Liquid Propellant Injection System 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Atomization Process 10.3 Injector Elements 10.4 Design of Injector Elements 10.5 Performance of Injector 10.6 Injector Distributor 10.7 Injector Manifold 10.8 Liquid Propellant Feed System 10.9 Turbo-pump Feed System 10.10 Review Questions 10.11 Problems Chapter 11: Non-chemical Rocket Engine 11. 1 Introduction 11.2 Basic Principles of Electrical Rocket Engine 11.3 Electrothermal Thrusters 11.4 Electrostatic Thrusters 11.5 Electromagnetic Thruster 11.6 Nuclear Rocket Engine 11.7 Solar Energy Rockets 11.8 Review Questions 11.9 Problems