Development Trend of Liquid Hydrogen-Fueled Rocket Engines (Part 1: Performance and Operation)

Abstract

SpaceX's successful development of reusable rockets and the realization of low-cost operations have significantly impacted the space industry, institutions, and companies. Price competitiveness has become a hot topic for launch vehicle development. A hydrogen-fueled rocket engine can be its solution. The developed countries are attempting to improve the performance and reliability of engines using a hydrogen-fuel. This paper summarizes the development and operation trends of hydrogen-fueled rocket engines of developed countries. It provides fundamental data for hydrogen-fueled rocket engine development, which is expected to be helpful in its future development.

Experimental Study of Spray and Combustion Characteristics in Gas-Centered Swirl Coaxial Injectors: Influence of Recess Ratio and Gas Swirl

“…Conversely, when kerosene is the chosen fuel, oxidizer-rich combustion gas in the gas phase and kerosene in the liquid phase are supplied to the combustion chamber [4]. Besides the staged combustion cycle, a combination of liquid and gas phase propellants is supplied to the main combustion chamber in scenarios employing an expander cycle, where the regenerative cooling of the combustion chamber operates at high temperatures [5]. The performance of fuel and oxidizer sprays, with the evaporation [6,7] and ignition of droplets [8,9] within the combustion chamber, significantly influence combustion efficiency.…”

Environmental Assessment of Hydrogen Utilization in Various Applications and Alternative Renewable Sources for Hydrogen Production: A Review

“…Furthermore, hydrogen can generate a high temperature that can be used for melting, gasification, drying, and other applications [9]. In addition, the welding process, hydrogenation, superconductivity, and rocket engines are all frequent uses of H2 [10][11][12], as will be discussed in greater detail in the next sections. Figure 1 represents the hydrogen utilization in different processes.…”

Flame dynamics of an injection element operated with LOX/H2, LOX/CNG and LOX/LNG in a sub- and supercritical rocket combustor with large optical access

“…Other recent examples include the Japanese LE-9, 3 the Russian RD-0146, 4 the Chinese YF-77, 5 and in the US, the RS-25 for the Space Launch System, the RL-10C, as well as the BE-3. 6 The liquid-oxygen/methane (LOX/CH 4) combination is predicted to be cheaper and easier to handle than LOX/H 2. Hence, there is growing interest in these propellants.…”