Difference between revisions of "Fuel"

From Marspedia
Jump to: navigation, search
(Created page)
 
(5 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Stub}}
 
In the context of chemical processes, such as [[chemical rockets]], fuel refers to a reducing agent which can be chemically combined with an [[oxidizer]] to release energy. In other contexts, such as [[nuclear energy]], it normally refers to the substance which is used as an energy source.
 
  
[[Category:Transport]]
+
In the context of chemical processes, such as [[chemical rockets]], fuel refers to a reducing agent which can be chemically combined with an [[oxidizer]] to release energy. In other contexts, such as [[nuclear energy]], it normally refers to the substance which is used as an energy source.  In chemical propulsion, Fuel plus the oxidizer are [[Propellant|propellants]].  In electric and most forms of nuclear propulsion, there are only propellants.
[[Category:Energy]]
+
 
 +
On Mars, fuels could be hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide and solids, such as aluminium or iron.  Oxygen is the most likely oxidizer.  The abundance of water on Mars favors hydrogen and methane.  Methane could be produces using [[Electrolysis|Water electrolysis]] and the [[Sabatier/Water Electrolysis Process|Sabatier process]].
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|+
 +
!Combination
 +
!Specific impulse
 +
(s)
 +
!Exhaust velocity
 +
(m/s)
 +
!ratio fuel:oxidizer
 +
|-
 +
|Hydrogen + oxygen
 +
|388 - 454
 +
|3816 - 4462
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|Methane + oxygen
 +
|309 - 368
 +
|3034 - 3615
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|Aluminium + oxygen
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|}
 +
Actual ISP and exhaust velocities depend on engine design and external pressure.  Exhaust velocities are ideal ones for one atmosphere and near vacuum,
 +
[[Category:Propulsion]]

Revision as of 10:39, 30 July 2019

In the context of chemical processes, such as chemical rockets, fuel refers to a reducing agent which can be chemically combined with an oxidizer to release energy. In other contexts, such as nuclear energy, it normally refers to the substance which is used as an energy source. In chemical propulsion, Fuel plus the oxidizer are propellants. In electric and most forms of nuclear propulsion, there are only propellants.

On Mars, fuels could be hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide and solids, such as aluminium or iron. Oxygen is the most likely oxidizer. The abundance of water on Mars favors hydrogen and methane. Methane could be produces using Water electrolysis and the Sabatier process.

Combination Specific impulse

(s)

Exhaust velocity

(m/s)

ratio fuel:oxidizer
Hydrogen + oxygen 388 - 454 3816 - 4462
Methane + oxygen 309 - 368 3034 - 3615
Aluminium + oxygen

Actual ISP and exhaust velocities depend on engine design and external pressure. Exhaust velocities are ideal ones for one atmosphere and near vacuum,