3 ms·
That's not the problem. The problem is that hot inlet air means that once you burn your fuel, the air post combustion stage is then too hot and melts things.
by NamTaf 12y ago
That's not the problem. The problem is that hot inlet air means that once you burn your fuel, the air post combustion stage is then too hot and melts things.
- idlewords 12y agoIt's a huge problem, unless you don't mind a flying oven. In the SR-71, the crew had to wear special cooling suits (presumably these will be available in first class).
- virtue3 12y agomeh, insulated cabin. No big deal. just shitloads more weight and/or space (nasa aero gels would probably be great here). Aka this thing is never going to see commercial flight.
- NamTaf 12y agoWhat I mean is that from a material standpoint, the engine turbine temperature tends to be the design limiting factor. Yes, there's going to be hot spots on leading edges due to stagnation for example, but you're not burning fuel there to intentionally jack the temperature up.
- wcoenen 12y agoAny pressure suit requires cooling, because the human body produces about 100 watts of thermal power.