Abstract
The conceptual feasibility of direct absorption, solar thermal propulsion is addressed by means of a detailed analysis of the coupled radiation-gasdynamic process. The primary issue concerns the success with which low intensity solar radiation can be coupled into a working fluid. The fluid dynamics are described by a twodimensional Navier-Stokes analysis coupled with a ray-tracing model for the solar absorption and an approximate "thick-thin" model for the reradiation. The absorption physics are included by a detailed spectral model of the absorption. The working fluid is selected as hydrogen with trace amounts of alkali metal vapors to enhance absorption. Results indicate that previous one-dimensional approximations overestimate the potential of solar rockets but that direct absorption combined with regenerative wall cooling appears promising for appropriate sizes and chamber pressures.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 541-547 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Propulsion and Power |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1992 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Aerospace Engineering
- Fuel Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Space and Planetary Science