Photonic Laser Propulsion offers a thrilling glimpse into the future of sustainable space travel by surveying one of the most significant breakthrough technologies to overcome the limitations of current propulsion systems based on conventional rocketry.Written by the pioneer of PLP, the book strives to establish a strong foundational understanding while delving into advanced theoretical concepts. Readers are guided through quantum mechanics, optical resonators, and radiation pressure that underpin this revolutionary thrust mechanism, to then be offered past experimental milestones and cutting-edge demonstrations that trace its evolution and validate its feasibility. A presentation of current application examples as well as long-term development pathways for interstellar commutes conclude the excursus, fostering curiosity and charting a course for further research exploration in this dynamic realm.Researchers both in academia and industry and a host of other technical audiences at all levels will think of this volume, which consolidates a growing body of knowledge surrounding PLP, as a key resource for their study or work to enable innovative space endeavors, including human civilization's expansion within our solar system or interstellar travel.
In the continuous pursuit of optimizing performance, development of advanced materials with highly specific properties has consistently been a critical component of aerospace engineering’s research. Aerospace Materials: Novel Technologies and Practical Applications puts strong emphasis on updating existing knowledge of a wide range of functional and structural materials and contextualizing it for industrial practice.The volume not only comprehensively covers different classes of materials, while providing an overview of each material’s mechanical and physical properties, as well as processing and testing, but also offers state-of-the-art guidance on their commercial use in the sector. Furthermore, it looks ahead to clarify what’s still needed to adapt traditional and novel materials to ever-changing aerospace technologies and related pressing sustainability challenges.The breadth of technical expertise that this international group of researchers provides proves to be an invaluable asset for users in academia and established professionals alike.
Hybrid Rocket Propulsion Design Handbook provides system scaling laws, design methodologies, and a summary of available test data, giving engineers all the tools they need to develop realistic hybrid system designs.Important supporting theory from chemistry, thermodynamics, and rocket propulsion is addressed, helping readers from a variety of backgrounds to understand this interdisciplinary subject. This book also suggests guidelines for standardized reporting of test data, in response to difficulties researchers have in working with results from different research institutes.
Electrostatic Dust Mitigation and Manipulation Techniques for Planetary Dust explains how to control and remove dust in space due to the presence of a vacuum, abrasiveness of dust particles and electrostatic charge on particles. The book introduces innovative technologies that use electrostatic and di-electrophoretic forces to remove and transport small particles away from surfaces. In addition, it discusses how to resolve thermal control problems and reduce lung inhalation and eye irritation problems. The book includes two abrasive wear test devices that were designed to study the rate of volume wear for different materials when subjected to lunar dust simulant of different size ranges. This will be an ideal resource for space system engineers, space exploration researchers, and advanced students and professionals in space engineering.
Modern Flexible Multi-Body Dynamics Modeling Methodology for Flapping Wing Vehicles presents research on the implementation of a flexible multi-body dynamic representation of a flapping wing ornithopter that considers aero-elasticity. This effort brings advances in the understanding of flapping wing flight physics and dynamics that ultimately leads to an improvement in the performance of such flight vehicles, thus reaching their high performance potential. In using this model, it is necessary to reduce body accelerations and forces of an ornithopter vehicle, as well as to improve the aerodynamic performance and enhance flight kinematics and forces which are the design optimization objectives. This book is a useful reference for postgraduates in mechanical engineering and related areas, as well as researchers in the field of multibody dynamics.
Astronautics Year: An International Astronautical and Military Space/Missile Review of 1964 documents in detail the international astronautical and military space/missile activities conducted in 1964. This book focuses on two major space achievements—RANGER 7 and VOSKHOD I. RANGER 7 was a spectacular achievement demonstrated by Jet Propulsion Laboratory, while VOSKHOD I was claimed as the biggest rocket in existence that was launched while carrying two retro-rocket systems. This compilation also provides brief notes on a number of space/missile projects and programs underway during 1964, such as the AADS-70, ADOBE, AIM-47A, and APOLLO. A table containing a fully comprehensive listing of all announced spacecraft launch attempts made during the same year are likewise described. This text is recommended for researchers and specialists concerned with aeronautics and aerospace research.
For the first time simplified methods of dealing with gas turbine thermal cycles, and further theoretical innovations, have been embodied into a concise textbook. All the major aspects of the subject are covered in a comprehensive and lucid manner. Examples are included for greater clarity
This volume contains a selection of 27 papers that are chiefly survey, state-of-the-art, review or programmatic in nature. The volume itself is structured in three parts: Part I, The System, that deals with Space Transportation, Space Stations and Platforms; Part II, Hard and Soft Technologies, that deals with Technology Applications, Astrodynamics, Space Power and Propulsion; Part III, The Utilization, that addresses the two main lines Space Exploration and Applications, including Earth Observation, Telecommunication and Space Education, Microgravity, Safety and Rescue.
Progress in Astronautics and Rocketry, Volume 3: Energy Conversion for Space Power focuses on the use of dependable electric power sources on space vehicles. Composed of various literature, the book first discusses the physics of thermoelectricity, thermoelectric generator of materials, the use of semiconductors in thermoelectric conversion, and the use of high temperature thermoelectric materials for power generation. The text also presents experiments on the effect of irradiation on thermoelectric materials, thermoelectric elements in space power systems, and thermionics. The book then describes photovoltaic effect and conversion of solar energy; trends in silicon solar cell technology; the use of silicon solar cells in energy conversion; and how radiation affects solar cell power systems. The text notes the specifications of batteries if used in communications satellites; the use of positive-displacement engines and turbines on cryogenic power systems; and the characteristics of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generators in space power conversion. The book is a good source of information for readers and scientists wanting to explore the potential of energy conversion in space power technology.
Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, Volume 7: Torques and Attitude Sensing in Earth Satellites focuses on the possible torques that can affect the angular momentum of an Earth satellite. This book provides an understanding of the environment in which a satellite operates. Organized into 16 chapters, this volume starts with an overview of the application of force-free motion to space programs. This text then discusses the torque effects of a gravitational field, particularly with its gradient. Other chapters consider a particular method of gravity-gradient stabilization that utilizes a passive device to damp librations and thereby attain a vertical orientation. This book discusses as well the effects of the geomagnetic field on the angular motion of a satellite. The reader is also introduced to the method of magnetic attitude control employed in the Tiros satellite. The final chapter deals with the problem of horizon sensing, which is important for satellites requiring Earth stabilization. Astrophysicists will find this book useful.