How is the stable operation of liquid propellant flows achieved?

By means of some kind of a pressure feed system

By using suitable pipes and valves which can minimize vibrations

By utilizing the gravitational force on the liquids to the rocket�s advantage

Liquid flow system in general are inherently stable

Correct Answer : Liquid flow system in general are inherently stable

Explanation : The liquid flow systems used in liquid propellant rocket engines are inherently stable. This means that when there is a disturbance in the hydraulic system (like a sudden increase or decrease of flow), the system tries to reduce the effect of disturbance on its own.

Recently Updated in Rocket Propulsion Questions

A tactical missile is not used for _________

decoy flare

attacking ground troops

defending ground troops

attacking military aircrafts

Correct Answer : Option (A) : decoy flare

Explanation : Decoy flare is an infrared countermeasure taken by airborne vehicles against homing infrared missiles to divert its attention from its target. It is not a kind of tactical missile.

Propellants that are thick or viscous under static conditions, but flow through valves, injectors, pipes or pumps when adequate shear stress is applied are called __________ propellants.

Dilatant

Thixotropic

Newtonian fluid

Non-Newtonian fluid

Correct Answer : Option (B) : Thixotropic

Explaination : Thixotropic fluids become thinner (or less viscous) over time when adequate shear stresses are applied on it. A dilatant material has increasing viscosity with the rate of shear strain. A Newtonian fluid is a fluid in which the viscous stresses arising from its flow is linearly proportional to the local strain rate. Non-Newtonian fluids are those fluids that doesn’t obey Newton’s law of viscosity (which states that the shear stress between two adjacent fluid layers is proportional to the negative value of velocity gradient between those two layers).

Which of the following will not happen if small aluminum particles are suspended in the fuel or if small inert solid particles are suspended in the oxidizer?

Increase in propellant density

Decrease in density impulse

Reduction in tank and vehicle size

Increase in speed and range of atmospheric rockets or missiles

Correct Answer : Option (B) : Decrease in density impulse

Explaination : Density impulse is the specific impulse of the propellants multiplied by its density. Addition of small inert solid particles will increase the density of the propellant and hence lead to improved impulse density. This also means that the volume required to store the propellants is lesser and the rocket size becomes smaller. It will lead to drag reduction (since the surface area is lesser) under atmospheric operating conditions and improve speed and range of the vehicle.