Difference between revisions of "Engine cycle"
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==Pressure-feed== | ==Pressure-feed== | ||
| − | The simplest engine cycle is the pressure-feed. It relies on the [[Ullage pressure|ullage pressure] of the tanks to push the propellants into the [[Combustion chamber|combustion chamber]]. It is very robust and such an engine can easily be started and cut-off, which makes this cycle preferred for [[RCS]] and restartable main engines. | + | The simplest engine cycle is the pressure-feed. It relies on the [[Ullage pressure|ullage pressure]] of the tanks to push the propellants into the [[Combustion chamber|combustion chamber]]. It is very robust and such an engine can easily be started and cut-off, which makes this cycle preferred for [[RCS]] and restartable main engines. |
==Gas-generator cycle== | ==Gas-generator cycle== | ||
The gas generator cycles uses a gas generator and a turbine to drive a pump, which transports the fuel into the [[Combustion Chamber|combustion chamber]] | The gas generator cycles uses a gas generator and a turbine to drive a pump, which transports the fuel into the [[Combustion Chamber|combustion chamber]] | ||
Revision as of 16:23, 2 March 2008
The engine cycle of a rocket engine describes the primary method chosen to transport propellants into the combustion chamber. Real rocket engines can have multiple different engine cycles active during their operation in sequence, for optimal performance at different thrust levels or during ignition and cut-off.
Pressure-feed
The simplest engine cycle is the pressure-feed. It relies on the ullage pressure of the tanks to push the propellants into the combustion chamber. It is very robust and such an engine can easily be started and cut-off, which makes this cycle preferred for RCS and restartable main engines.
Gas-generator cycle
The gas generator cycles uses a gas generator and a turbine to drive a pump, which transports the fuel into the combustion chamber