Walter Lynn’s Comps Presentation
Wednesday, February 10th
3:10 pm in Olin 141
Chemical Rocket Design
Rockets are one of the most iconic technologies of the 20th century, inspiring both hope and terror depending on their application. From ICBMs to the Space Shuttle, rocket technology has shaped our perception of the times we live in so the natural question is not ”What do we do with them?” But instead “How do they work? What decisions govern their design? What principles govern their operation?” In my talk I will address some of the basic physics governing rockets from the rocket equation to thermodynamic efficiency. I will also address the essential design features of and differences between liquid and solid fuel rockets as well as methods of controlling those rockets. Finally I will discuss multi-stage