3 ms·

This appears to be a pressure-fed rather than pumped engine, so limited real-world utility. Nonetheless, it’s incredibly impressive especially given that it see

This appears to be a pressure-fed rather than pumped engine, so limited real-world utility. Nonetheless, it’s incredibly impressive especially given that it seems to have been successful on the first try. I wonder how practical it might be to integrate turbo machinery into an automated design system like this? Oh, and it really is beautiful with copper construction and that fascinating swirl.

black6 2y ago
All are pressure fed. A pump generates pressure. It's common to test engine components without pumps using high pressure vessels in lieu of pumps. The E Complex at Stennis Space Center specializes in this approach.
- echoangle 2y ago
  Pressure fed is a fixed term when applied to rocket engines and means “fed only by the pressure in the tank (which is most of the time generated by having a pressurization system fed by another high pressure helium tank) and not by a pump”.
cwillu 2y ago
The swirl isn't really an essential part of the rocket design, but ports for thermocouples (i.e, temperature sensors).
- p1esk 2y ago
  “ The engine uses thin cooling channels that swirl around the chamber jacket, with a variable cross sections as thin as 0.8mm. The Kerosene is pressed through the channels to cool the engine and prevent it from melting.”
irjustin 2y ago
> This appears to be a pressure-fed rather than pumped engine, so limited real-world utility This is addressed in the article: > This is a relatively compact engine, which would be suitable for a final kick stage of an orbital rocket. It has lots of real world application, just not currently as part of a lift stage since you're right it's a pressure based one as opposed to a pumped engine.
dotancohen 2y ago
If I'm not mistaken, the Falcon 1 used a pressure-fed upper stage engine.
- allenrb 2y ago
  Sure did! The Kestrel engine (had to double-check that memory) was a cute little thing, but it did the job.

black6 2y ago

All are pressure fed. A pump generates pressure. It's common to test engine components without pumps using high pressure vessels in lieu of pumps. The E Complex at Stennis Space Center specializes in this approach.

echoangle 2y ago
Pressure fed is a fixed term when applied to rocket engines and means “fed only by the pressure in the tank (which is most of the time generated by having a pressurization system fed by another high pressure helium tank) and not by a pump”.

cwillu 2y ago

The swirl isn't really an essential part of the rocket design, but ports for thermocouples (i.e, temperature sensors).

p1esk 2y ago
“ The engine uses thin cooling channels that swirl around the chamber jacket, with a variable cross sections as thin as 0.8mm. The Kerosene is pressed through the channels to cool the engine and prevent it from melting.”

irjustin 2y ago

> This appears to be a pressure-fed rather than pumped engine, so limited real-world utility This is addressed in the article: > This is a relatively compact engine, which would be suitable for a final kick stage of an orbital rocket. It has lots of real world application, just not currently as part of a lift stage since you're right it's a pressure based one as opposed to a pumped engine.

dotancohen 2y ago

If I'm not mistaken, the Falcon 1 used a pressure-fed upper stage engine.

allenrb 2y ago
Sure did! The Kestrel engine (had to double-check that memory) was a cute little thing, but it did the job.