CPR report overview –
Introduction –
Ever since the dawn of time, humans have looked for ways explore and study the world that they live in. We built great cities a feat of incredible architecture. We escaped from the bounds of the earth have taken to the skies. Now, we as a species have now undertaken a new endeavour. For the first time in our history, we have the ability to escape the bounds of the earth and explore our universe on a unprecedented scale. Everyday we explore new phenomenons that take place deep in space or even those in our very own solar system. Through the course of this report, we will explore these state of the art devices that help us fulfil are thirst/ quest for knowledge.
Abstract –
The goal of the report is to explore propulsion systems in space flight. In keeping with the stated objective, we hope give the reader some idea of what powers space flight(for the average reader), while also exploring the possible future in space flights (this part of the report pertains to individuals who are invested in the industry on a professional level).
We aim to understand different propulsion systems, namely ion propulsion, plasma thrusters and solid fuel chemical propulsion. We aim to compare and contrast these propulsion systems in order to better understand why these systems are used in the industry today, and their place in the future of space travel.
In exploring this topic, we will dwell into the history of space flight and significant propulsion system innovations. We also aim to cover some basic rocket science as it pertains to rocket launches in order to better understand the topic at hand.
Theory –
Basic rocket Science –
Forces acting on a rocket during flight –
Thrust – Thrust, is the force that in essence propels an object through a space. In this case, the force is generated by the expulsion of a gas or particle out the exhaust. The thrust that is then generated is required to overcome the drag of the object/aircraft.
Drag – Drag is the air resistance that an object in motion faces. The drag opposes the direction of travel of the object and in atmospheric conditions tends to slow the craft down.
Gravitational Force – This is the force experienced by a object when they are within the gravitational field/influence of a significantly large object(usually celestial in nature to have a big impact on the object). These forces are experienced by virtually every object in the universe. As it pertains to space flight, the force of gravity can be seen in two distinct cases. The first being during rocket launches. In this time the force of gravity opposes the direction of thrust, trying to pull the object back down to the surface. Another case where gravitational forces are important is in course mapping of missions. This deals with how the mission course of space craft is mapped (more of this will be covered in the later parts of this report).
Pitch – The pitch of an aircraft is the up and down motion of an aircraft. This is found along the fore-mention pitch axis. This is an axis that is mutually perpendicular to the Roll and Yaw axis.
Yaw – This force is experienced across the yaw axis of an aircraft. The yaw axis is perpendicular to the roll axis. This force is also responsible for the side to side movements of an aircraft
Roll – This is the revolutionary force acting upon the rocket, it works over the Roll-axis a rocket(i.e the axis that runs through the length of the aircraft). This force, in rocket launches is used to create a turning force that in turn helps the rocket convert it's vertical momentum into angular momentum hence helping the aircraft achieve orbital velocity.
Center of Mass – Center of mass can be defined as the average location of weight of an object measured at a specific point across a three dimensional plane. This is an extremely important factor in determining how a rocket would behave as it moves through a space. Any directional changes that an object may experience takes place through the center of gravity of the object, irrespective of the presence of any resistance that the space the object is moving through provides.
Center of Pressure – Much like the center of gravity, the center of pressure of an aircraft is a single point on the aircraft where all (theoretical but practically it is in and around one point) the aerodynamic stresses and forces concentrate onto the aircraft; measured across a three dimensional plane. The reason why the center of pressure is an important factor in flight, is because it gives an idea of the angle of attack as the object moves through the atmosphere. It is also directly correlated to the stability of the rocket.