Design, Modeling, and Simulation of a Hydrogen-Induced Air Liquefaction System Applicable to Space Access Vehicles
Author(s)
Crowley, John E.
Advisor(s)
Olds, John R.
Editor(s)
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Abstract
Air liquefaction has been advocated as a concept for reducing the gross mass of
spaceplanes since the 1950s. However, little has come of this promising technology thus
far. The purpose of air liquefaction is to use cryogenic propellants to supercool air after it
enters the inlet of a moving vehicle. The resulting liquefied air can be used immediately
or stored for use in later stages of flight. Although the concept has been revisited multiple
times since its inception, various problems have surfaced to keep it from being a viable
technology for incorporation into an access-to-space vehicle. Among the many design
challenges, one of these problems is the formation of solid ice due to the freezing of
water in the humid air. This ice fouls heat exchanger surfaces and results in decreased
efficiency and eventually total shut-down of the engine. Therefore, a system to
dehumidify the air before it is used as an oxidizer or stored is necessary.
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Date
2004-02-05
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Masters Project
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