Next-generation launch vehicles demand several technological improvements to achieve lower cost and more reliable access to space. One technology area whose performance gains may far exceed others is densified propellants. The ideal rocket engine propellant is characterized by high specific impulse, high density, and low vapor pressure. A propellant combination of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen (LH2/LOX) is one of the highest performance propellants, but LH2 stored at standard conditions has a relatively low density and high vapor pressure. Propellant densification can significantly improve this propellant's properties relative to vehicle design and engine performance. Vehicle performance calculations based on an average of existing launch vehicles indicate that densified propellants may allow an increase in payload mass of up to 5 percent. Since the NASA Lewis Research Center became involved with the National Aerospace Plane program in the 1980's, it has been leading the way in making densified propellants a viable fuel for next-generation launch vehicles. Lewis researchers have been working to provide a method and critical data for continuous production of densified hydrogen and oxygen.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Recent Advancements in Propellant Densification


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1998-04-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Recent Advancements in Propellant Densification

    N. B. McNelis / T. M. Tomsik | NTIS | 1998


    Cryogenic Propellant Densification Study

    Ewart, R. O. / Dergance, R. H. | NTRS | 1978



    Cryogenic Propellant Densification Study

    R. O. Ewart / R. H. Dergance | NTIS | 1978