chemical propellant
fuel
Quick Summary
A chemical propellant is any substance whose expansion can propel another object. In rockets, propellants are converted into hot gases within a combustion chamber, which are then accelerated through a nozzle to create thrust.12
There are two main types of chemical rocket propellants: solid and liquid.
- Solid propellants are typically a rubbery mixture of fuel and oxidizer cured together. They are simple in design and once ignited, burn until exhausted. They are often used as boosters for initial liftoff.13
- Liquid propellants involve separate fuel and oxidizer components stored in tanks. These are pumped into a combustion chamber, mixed, and burned. Liquid systems offer advantages like higher efficiency, control over thrust, and the ability to be restarted.34
Common liquid fuels include kerosene and liquid hydrogen, while liquid oxygen is a frequent oxidizer. Solid propellants often use ammonium perchlorate as an oxidizer and aluminum or a rubbery binder as fuel.13
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