Liquid Propulsion: Thrust Chamber Design

Abstract

Abstract The thrust chamber serves the critical purpose of converting the chemical energy stored in the propellants into the kinetic energy required to generate thrust. When the propellants enter the thrust chamber, they undergo a complex series of physiochemical processes such as atomization, vaporization, mixing, reaction, and expansion. A gas‐generator cycle or a staged‐combustion cycle uses an auxiliary combustion device to generate the power required to operate the pump in a much lower temperature environment. This chapter deals with key elements associated with thrust chamber design and is organized as follows. A comprehensive description of the thrust chamber is first given along with the underlying design concept and its applications. Typical nozzles used with the thrust chamber are then described. Finally, auxiliary combustion devices are summarized.