Quiz AS102

Rocket Propulsion
Lucas Montogue

Problems
Problem 1
The following data are given for an optimum rocket propulsion system.
 Chamber pressure: 2.5 MPa
 Nozzle throat diameter: 120 mm
 Thrust: 18 kN
 Propellant mass flow: 7.2 kg/s.
 Flight velocity: 880 m/s.
The propellant has a calorific value of 25 MJ/kg. True or false?
1.( ) The specific impulse of the rocket engine is greater than 250 sec.
2.( ) The effective velocity of the rocket is greater than 2200 m/s.
3.( ) The specific propellant consumption of the rocket is greater than 0.005 kg/Ns.
4.( ) The thrust power of the rocket is greater than 18 MW.
5.( ) The characteristic velocity of the rocket is greater than 4000 m/s.

Problem 2
The following data are given for an optimum rocket propulsion system.
 Average molecular mass: 24 kg/kg-mol
 Chamber pressure: 2.53 MPa
 External pressure: 0.09 MPa
 Chamber temperature: 2900 K
 Throat area: 0.0005 m2
The specific heat ratio is 1.30. True or false?
1.( ) The throat velocity is greater than 1000 m/s.
2.( ) The specific volume at the throat is greater than 0.7 m3/kg.
3.( ) The specific impulse of the rocket is greater than 200 sec.
4.( ) The thrust of the rocket is greater than 2000 N.
5.( ) The Mach number at the throat is greater than 1.2.

Problem 3A
Starting from isentropic relations for an ideal exhaust nozzle with discharge
coefficient of unity, show that the thrust coefficient can be expressed as
(γ +1) 2(γ −1) (γ −1) γ
2  2  p 
=CT γ 1−  e 
γ − 1  γ + 1   p0 
Problem 3B
Determine the thrust coefficient for a nozzle with gas having 𝛾𝛾 = 1.25 and a
pressure ratio of 5.0.
A) 𝐶𝐶𝑇𝑇 = 0.811
B) 𝐶𝐶𝑇𝑇 = 1.09
C) 𝐶𝐶𝑇𝑇 = 1.32
D) 𝐶𝐶𝑇𝑇 = 1.51

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Problem 4A
Show that the characteristic velocity of a rocket can be expressed as

RTo M
c* = (γ +1) 2(γ −1)
 2 
γ 
 γ +1

Problem 4B
� = 18.0, and 𝑇𝑇𝑜𝑜 = 3200
Determine the characteristic velocity if 𝛾𝛾 = 1.25, 𝑀𝑀
K. Use 𝑅𝑅 = 8314 whenever needed.
A) 𝑐𝑐 ∗ = 1250 m/s
B) 𝑐𝑐 ∗ = 1510 m/s
C) 𝑐𝑐 ∗ = 1880 m/s
D) 𝑐𝑐 ∗ = 2070 m/s

Problem 5
Regarding aspects of rocket propulsion and rocket science, true or false?

1.( ) The best efficiency of a rocket nozzle is attained when the expansion ratio is
such that the exhaust pressure equals the ambient pressure.

2.( ) The exhaust velocity of a rocket is inversely proportional to the molecular

weight of the propellant mixture.

3.( ) All liquid propellant rocket systems require tanks to store propellants prior to
injection in the thrust chamber. For space applications, spherical tanks are desirable
since the wall surface area of a spherical tank is always less than that of, say, a
cylindrical tank.

4.( ) In order to express a rocket’s specific impulse in Imperial units, the SI specific
impulse must be multiplied by a conversion factor of 0.454.

5.( ) For optimal pumping properties, fuels with high vapor pressures, such as liquid
oxygen, are preferred in liquid-propellant rockets.

6.( ) In the second half of the twentieth century, several types of novel propellants
were attempted in rocket propulsion. One particularly promising example is liquid
fluorine, a powerful oxidizing agent that, in combination with hydrogen, reacts
explosively and yields hydrogen fluoride. Fluorine fuels are highly toxic and
corrosive.

7.( ) One of the most widely used modern liquid rocket propellants is NTO/MMH, a
combination of monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) and nitrogen tetroxide (NTO). This
fuel is not hypergolic.

8.( ) Hydrogen peroxide is a well-established monopropellant that decomposes

explosively into water and oxygen under appropriate conditions. Since the reaction
is quite fast and has a rather low energy of activation, there is no need for a
catalyst.

9.( ) The characteristic chamber length 𝐿𝐿∗ for selected liquid propellants are
provided in the following table. From these data, we can surmise that the residence
time of mixtures containing hydrocarbon molecules is lower than that of lighter
fuels such as liquid oxygen-liquid hydrogen.

Propellant combination Minimum 𝐿𝐿∗ (m)

LOX/RP-1 1.0 – 1.3
LOX/LH2 0.7 – 1.0
LOX/GH2 0.5 – 0.7
Hydrazine family/NTO 0.7 – 0.9
H2O2/RP-1 1.5 – 1.8

10.( ) Typical solid-propellant fuels include aluminum, magnesium, and beryllium.

Aluminum-based fuels are the most energetic of the three.

11.( ) While the products of solid boosters are mostly harmless, the exhaust gases
of liquid engines, especially liquid hydrogen-liquid oxygen propellants, include
hazardous gases and particulates.

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12.( ) Unlike liquid rocket fuels, which are often volatile and prone to accidental
explosion, solid rocket fuels tend to be chemically stable. For this reason, the
combustion stability of solid fuel motors is superior, allowing for active control of
thrust and of the temperature of the burning surface.

13.( ) The rate of consumption of the grain in a solid fuel rocket engine may be
expressed by Vielle’s law, 𝑟𝑟̇ = 𝑎𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐𝑛𝑛 , where 𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐 is the combustion chamber pressure
and 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑛𝑛 are empirical constants. In order for combustion of a rocket fuel to be
stable, exponent 𝑛𝑛 must be less than unity.

Problem 6A
A rocket has a thrust coefficient of 1.5, an effective jet velocity of 2000
m/s, and a propellant mass flow rate of 6.0 kg/s. The initial mass of the vehicle is
4000 kg. The theoretical thrust for this rocket is:
A) 𝑇𝑇 = 12.2 kN
B) 𝑇𝑇 = 18.0 kN
C) 𝑇𝑇 = 23.1 kN
D) 𝑇𝑇 = 26.4 kN

Problem 6B
The vehicle specified in the previous problem will have its velocity boosted
by 1600 m/s. Determine the mass of propellant required to achieve this velocity
increase.
A) 𝑚𝑚𝑝𝑝 = 1000 kg
B) 𝑚𝑚𝑝𝑝 = 1400 kg
C) 𝑚𝑚𝑝𝑝 = 2200 kg
D) 𝑚𝑚𝑝𝑝 = 3000 kg

Problem 7
A booster rocket engine with nozzle exit diameter of 250 mm is designed
to propel a satellite to an altitude of 20 km, at which the ambient pressure is 𝑝𝑝𝑎𝑎 =
5.5 kPa. The chamber pressure at 14 MPa is expanded to an exit pressure of 101
kPa and an exit temperature of 1500 K. The mass flow rate is 16.2 kg/s and the
molecular weight of propellant is 24 kg/kmol. Determine the effective jet velocity
and the thrust developed by this rocket engine.
A) 𝑐𝑐𝑗𝑗 = 1900 m/s and 𝑇𝑇 = 57.6 kN
B) 𝑐𝑐𝑗𝑗 = 1900 m/s and 𝑇𝑇 = 80.2 kN
C) 𝑐𝑐𝑗𝑗 = 3000 m/s and 𝑇𝑇 = 57.6 kN
D) 𝑐𝑐𝑗𝑗 = 3000 m/s and 𝑇𝑇 = 80.2 kN

Problem 8A
A research space vehicle in gravity-free and drag-free outer space launches
a smaller spacecraft into a meteor shower region. The 2-kg sensitive instrument
package of the spacecraft (25 kg total mass) limits the maximum acceleration to no
more than 50 m/s2. It is launched by a solid propellant rocket motor with 𝐼𝐼sp = 260
s and 𝜁𝜁 = 0.88. Determine the minimum allowable burn time, assuming steady
propellant mass flow, and the maximum velocity relative to the launch vehicle.
A) 𝑡𝑡𝑝𝑝,min = 215 s and Δ𝑢𝑢 = 2880 m/s
B) 𝑡𝑡𝑝𝑝,min = 215 s and Δ𝑢𝑢 = 4210 m/s
C) 𝑡𝑡𝑝𝑝,min = 360 s and Δ𝑢𝑢 = 2880 m/s
D) 𝑡𝑡𝑝𝑝,min = 360 s and Δ𝑢𝑢 = 4210 m/s

Problem 8B
What is the minimum allowable burn time if half of the total impulse is
delivered at the previous propellant mass flow rate and the other half at 20% of this
mass flow rate?
A) ′
𝑡𝑡𝑝𝑝,min = 420 s
B) ′
𝑡𝑡𝑝𝑝,min = 530 s
C) ′
𝑡𝑡𝑝𝑝,min = 645 s
D) ′
𝑡𝑡𝑝𝑝,min = 730 s

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 Problem 9
The following table gives the thrust-time characteristics for a rocket engine.
The total propellant mass is 𝑚𝑚𝑝𝑝 = 15.0 kg. True or false?

Time (𝑠𝑠) 0 0.5 1.0 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.25 4.30
Thrust (N) 7200 9000 7800 8400 8400 7500 7600 8800 9200 0

1.( ) The specific impulse of the rocket engine is greater than 250 sec.
2.( ) The average thrust of the rocket is greater than 7.5 kN.
3.( ) The effective jet velocity of the rocket is greater than 2300 m/s.

Problem 10A
A rocket flies at 8800 km/h with an effective exhaust jet velocity of 1400
m/s and propellant flow rate of 5.2 kg/s. If the heat of reaction of the propellants is
6600 kJ/kg of propellant mixture, determine the propulsive power and the
propulsion efficiency.
A) 𝑃𝑃𝑝𝑝 = 10.8 MW and 𝜂𝜂𝑃𝑃 = 0.713
B) 𝑃𝑃𝑝𝑝 = 10.8 MW and 𝜂𝜂𝑃𝑃 = 0.864
C) 𝑃𝑃𝑝𝑝 = 17.8 MW and 𝜂𝜂𝑃𝑃 = 0.713
D) 𝑃𝑃𝑝𝑝 = 17.8 MW and 𝜂𝜂𝑃𝑃 = 0.864

Problem 10B
Determine the engine output and the thermal efficiency for the rocket
engine introduced in the previous problem.
A) 𝑃𝑃𝑇𝑇 = 20.6 MW and 𝜂𝜂𝑃𝑃 = 0.471
B) 𝑃𝑃𝑇𝑇 = 20.6 MW and 𝜂𝜂𝑃𝑃 = 0.60
C) 𝑃𝑃𝑇𝑇 = 26.2 MW and 𝜂𝜂𝑃𝑃 = 0.471
D) 𝑃𝑃𝑇𝑇 = 26.2 MW and 𝜂𝜂𝑃𝑃 = 0.60

Problem 11
A three-stage rocket is designed to place a small satellite into the low Earth
orbit, having a payload weight of 200 kg. Data for the rocket is given in the
following table. Determine the increase in its speed.
Stage number Specific impulse (sec) Total mass (kg) Propellant mass (kg)
1 210 15,000 12,500
2 250 4500 3750
3 290 1000 750

A) Δ𝑢𝑢 = 4540 m/s

B) Δ𝑢𝑢 = 5810 m/s
C) Δ𝑢𝑢 = 6120 m/s
D) Δ𝑢𝑢 = 7320 m/s

Problem 12
Tests of solid-propellant grain showed the following results:

Test number Chamber pressure, 𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐 (MPa) Burn rate, 𝑟𝑟̇ (mm/s)
1 18 24.5
2 11 12.5

Find the combustion pressure for a burning rate of 25 mm/s.

A) 𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐 = 14.2 MPa

B) 𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐 = 18.3 MPa
C) 𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐 = 21.3 MPa
D) 𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐 = 24.2 Mpa

Problem 13A
Compute the thrust produced by an ion thruster producing 2 A of xenon
ions at 1500 V. The ion beam has a 20-degree half-angle divergence, the ratio of
doubles to singles is 18%, and the thruster mass utilization efficiency is 86%. For
xenon, factor �2𝑀𝑀⁄𝑒𝑒 = 1.65 × 10-3 and the atomic mass is 𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑎 = 131.

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A) 𝑇𝑇′ = 115 mN
B) 𝑇𝑇′ = 260 mN
C) 𝑇𝑇′ = 340 mN
D) 𝑇𝑇′ = 450 mN

Problem 13B
Calculate the specific impulse of the engine introduced in the previous part.
A) 𝐼𝐼sp = 1400 sec
B) 𝐼𝐼sp = 2200 sec
C) 𝐼𝐼sp = 3700 sec
D) 𝐼𝐼sp = 5000 sec

Problem 13C
If the engine requires a 20-A, 25-V discharge to produce the 2-A ion beam,
determine the total efficiency of the engine.
A) 𝜂𝜂𝑇𝑇 = 0.312
B) 𝜂𝜂𝑇𝑇 = 0.423
C) 𝜂𝜂𝑇𝑇 = 0.594
D) 𝜂𝜂𝑇𝑇 = 0.725

Solutions
P.1 ■ Solution
1. True. The specific impulse is determined as

F 18, 000
I sp
= = = 255 s
m p g 7.2 × 9.81

2. True. The effective velocity is determined as

Veq = I sp g = 255 × 9.81 = 2500 m s

3. False. The specific propellant consumption is the reciprocal of the specific

impulse,
1 1
SPC
= = = 0.00392 kg N ⋅ s
I sp 255
4. False. The thrust power is the product of thrust and flight velocity,

PT = TV =17, 000 × 880 =15 MW

5. False. The thrust coefficient is given by

T 18, 000
CT
= = = 0.637
pc At  π × 0.122 
( 2.5 ×10 ) ×  4 
6

 
The characteristic velocity is the ratio of effective velocity to thrust
coefficient,

Veq 2500
c*
= = = 3920 m s
CT 0.637

P.2 ■ Solution
1. True. The throat velocity is estimated as

2γ R 2 ×1.30 × 8314
=Vt = T ×
= 2900 1070 m s
(γ + 1) M c (1.30 + 1) × 24
2. False. The specific volume at the throat follows as

1 ( γ −1) 1 (1.3−1)
RTc  γ + 1  8314 × 2900  1.30 + 1 
vt =   = ×  = 0.633 m3 kg
Mpc  2  24 × ( 2.53 ×10 )  2 
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 3. True. The specific impulse is given by 𝐼𝐼sp = 𝑉𝑉eq × 𝑔𝑔, where effective
velocity 𝑉𝑉eq is given by

(γ −1) γ 
2γ RTc   p2  2 ×1.30 8314 × 2900   0.09 
0.3 1.3

Veq
= 1 −   =  × × 1 −  =  2160 m s
γ − 1 M   p1   1.30 − 1 24   2.53  
 
so that

2160
I sp
= = 220 sec
9.81
4. False. The mass flow rate is given by

AV
m =
= t t
( 5 ×10 ) ×1070
−4

= 0.845 kg s
vt 0.633

and the thrust follows as

 eq = 0.845 × 2160 = 1830 N

T = mV

5. False. The Mach number at the throat is 1.0 because the throat is
operating supersonically.

P.3 ■ Solution
Part A: Gas velocity at the nozzle exit for isentropic flow is given by

2γ   p (γ −1) γ 
=ce RT 1 −  e  
γ − 1 o   po  
 
Assuming the flow to have reached critical conditions at the throat
corresponding to a nozzle pressure ratio 𝑝𝑝∗ ⁄𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑜 lesser than

γ ( γ −1)
p*  2 
= 
po  γ + 1 

The propellant flow rate through the nozzle is

p* * γ
m p ρ=
= * * *
c A *
γ RT * p* A*
A =
RT RT *
Since 𝑇𝑇 = 𝑚𝑚̇𝑝𝑝 × 𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑒 , we can write

γ 2γ   p (γ −1) γ 
=CT p A * *
RT 1 −  e  
RT * γ − 1 o   po  

(γ −1) γ 
2   pe 
12
T  p*   To 
∴ CT= = γ   *  1 −   
po A*  po   T  γ − 1   po  

However, 𝑝𝑝∗ ⁄𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑜 = [2⁄(𝛾𝛾 + 1)]𝛾𝛾⁄(𝛾𝛾−1) and

(γ +1) (γ −1)
To  2 
= 
T *  γ +1 

Accordingly, 𝐶𝐶𝑇𝑇 becomes

12 (γ +1) 2(γ −1) (γ −1) γ

 2   2  p 
=CT γ     1−  e 
 γ −1   γ +1   po 
Part B: Substituting 𝛾𝛾 = 1.25 and 𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑒 ⁄𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑜 = 1/5.0, the thrust coefficient
becomes

12 (1.25+1) 2(1.25−1)
 2   2  (1.25−1) 1.25
1.25 × 
CT =    1 − (1 5.0 ) 1.09
=
 1.25 − 1   1.25 + 1 

B The correct answer is B.

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 P.4 ■ Solution
Part A: By definition, the characteristic velocity is the ratio of effective jet
velocity and thrust coefficient,

cj
c* =
CT

Variable 𝑐𝑐𝑗𝑗 is given by

2γ   p (γ −1) γ 
=cj RT 1 −  e  
γ − 1 o   po  
 
while, as shown in Problem 3, 𝐶𝐶𝑇𝑇 is given by
12
 2   2 
12 (γ +1) 2(γ −1)   p (γ −1) γ 
=CT γ     1 −  e  
 γ −1   γ +1    po  

Accordingly, 𝑐𝑐 ∗ becomes

2
× γ RTo
γ −1 γ RTo
=c* = 12 ( ) ( )
γ +1 2 γ −1 (γ +1) 2(γ −1)
 2   2   2 
γ    γ 
 γ −1   γ +1   γ +1 

However, 𝑎𝑎0 = �𝛾𝛾𝛾𝛾𝑇𝑇𝑜𝑜 = �𝛾𝛾𝑅𝑅�𝑇𝑇𝑜𝑜 ⁄𝑀𝑀, with the result that

RTo M
c* = (γ +1) 2(γ −1)
 2 
γ 
 γ +1 
� = 18.0 and 𝑇𝑇𝑜𝑜 = 3200 K gives
Part B: Substituting 𝛾𝛾 = 1.25, 𝑀𝑀

8314 × 3300 18.0

=c* = (1.25+1) 2(1.25−1)
1880 m s
 2 
1.25  
 1.25 + 1 
B The correct answer is C.

P.5 ■ Solution
1. True. The velocity achieved is governed by the nozzle area ratio, which in
turn is determined by the design ambient pressure – the atmosphere into which the
nozzle discharges. Low ambient pressure, encountered at high altitudes, leads to a
high nozzle exit area, higher gas exit velocity, and ultimately more thrust.

2. True. One way to express exhaust velocity is

−1 2
  2 (γ +1) (γ −1) MW 
V=
e CT × γ   
  γ + 1  RTe 

Accordingly, the exhaust velocity is inversely dependent on molecular
weight to the ½ power. Lower molecular weight produces a higher velocity. The
typical exhaust velocity of some propellant mixtures are provided in the following
table.

Oxidant Fuel 𝑉𝑉𝑒𝑒 (m/s)

O2 H2 4550
O2 RP1 3580
F2 H2 4790
N2O4 MMH 3420
N2O4 N2H4 + UDMH 3420

Observe that the hydrogen-fluorine and hydrogen-oxygen propellants,

which are the lightest-MW fuel-oxidizer combinations in the table, also happen to
constitute the mixtures with highest 𝑉𝑉𝑒𝑒 .

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 3. True. For a given propellant tank, it is easy to show that the wall surface
area of a spherical tank is always less than that of a cylindrical tank, namely,

Ssp 1.52 3
=
Scyl 1
+ ( L D)
13

2( L D)
23

where 𝐿𝐿⁄𝐷𝐷 is the length-to-diameter ratio of the cylindrical tank. This relation
shows that the surface area ratio is always less than unity when the tank
length/diameter ratio is greater than unity, so that a spherical tank is always the
most efficient way to house propellant (i.e., tank weight is proportional to surface
area).

4. False. One of the inherent advantages of specific impulse as a rocket

performance parameter is the fact that its value is the same regardless of the
system of units being used. In general, specific impulse varies from about 175 to
250 sec for solid propellants and from 230 to 440 sec for liquid propellants.

5. False. On the contrary, high vapor pressures are associated with greater
problems in handling and greater susceptibility to pump cavitation. Propellants with
high vapor pressures – including LOX – require special design provisions, unusual
handling techniques, and special low-temperature materials.

6. True. Fluorine is a powerful oxidizing agent, but both fluorine and its its
combustion byproducts, including hydrogen fluoride, are poisonous to humans. In
addition, fluorine is relatively expensive. These factors have led to the abandonment
of fluorine-based fuels in modern rocketry. Fluorine-derived compounds such as
oxygen difluoride (OF2) and chlorine trifluoride (ClF3) have also been employed to no
avail.

7. False. In fact, NTO/MMH is the most widely used hypergolic liquid

propellant. Some of the properties of monomethyl hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide
are listed below.

Vapor
Density
Component Formula Pressure Boiling Point (oC)
(g/cm³)
(torr, at 20oC)
MMH CH3HNNH2 0.86 36 87
NTO N2O4 1.44 720 21.1

8. False. The non-catalyzed reaction of hydrogen peroxide is slow and

unsuitable for thruster applications. Consequently, a catalyst is needed to increase
the reaction speed. The most widely used catalyst used with rocket grade hydrogen
peroxide (RGHP) is silver, typically arranged in screens (either pure or coated on
stainless steel or another alloy). Other feasible catalysts include platinum, iron
oxide, and manganese oxide.

9. False. The residence time of a fuel in the combustion chamber can be

written as

c*
tr = ( Aclc At )
RTc

The fraction on the right-hand side of this relation is a function of the

propellant combination alone and is constant for a given propellant. The term
𝐴𝐴𝑐𝑐 𝑙𝑙𝑐𝑐 ⁄𝐴𝐴𝑡𝑡 , in turn, represents the ratio of the chamber volume to the throat area of
the nozzle and is therefore a unit of length; it is known as the characteristic length,
𝐿𝐿∗ . The higher the characteristic length of a nozzle, the greater the residence time in
the combustion chamber. Accordingly, the fact that hydrocarbon fuels such as
LOX/RP-1 have greater characteristic lengths than lighter fuels indicates that they
tend to burn more slowly.

10. False. Beryllium-based fuels are the most energetic fuels for solid-
rocket propellants. However, the toxic exhaust gases (BeOx) created by these
materials have led to their abandonment in most rocket applications. The most
common solid fuel in modern practice is aluminum, which is included in solid fuels in
concentrations ranging anywhere from 2 to 21% Al. Magnesium has been
implemented in “clean” formulations with reduced exhaust emissions.

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© 2020 Montogue Quiz
 11. False. The exhaust gases produced by liquid engines tend to be much
less pernicious than those of solid fuels. For one, the main product of liquid
hydrogen-liquid oxygen combustion is water, and usually includes no particulates at
all. The chlorine in the oxidants of solid boosters, on the other hand, produces
substantial amounts of hydrogen chloride. The HCl cloud from a large solid motor
can combine with water vapor to form acid rain in the area near the launch pad.
Further, solid fuels also include a chemically diverse series of additives, such as
inorganic salts, which may give rise to dangerous particulate emissions.

12. False. The fact that solid fuels are supposedly more stable says nothing
about the stability of solid-fuel motors. In fact, the performance of a solid
propellant rocket motor, if anything, is erratic. For one, in a liquid rocket the thrust
is actively controlled by the rate of supply of propellants, and in the majority of
cases it is stabilized at a constant value. For a solid rocket, the thrust depends on
the rate of supply of combustible propellant, which in turn depends upon the
pressure and temperature at the burning surface, which cannot be actively
controlled. What’s more, a liquid-fueled engine can be shut down by closing valves,
whereas the solid motor continues to burn until all the propellant is exhausted.

13. True. We know that the mass flow rate out of the chamber depends
linearly on the pressure. Accordingly, if 𝑛𝑛 > 1.0, the supply of gas from the burning
grain increases faster than with pressure than the rate of exhaust, and an
uncontrolled rise in burning rate and pressure could result from a small initial
increase. Conversely, a small initial decrease in pressure could result in a
catastrophic drop in burning rate. If, on the other hand, 𝑛𝑛 < 1.0, then the rate of
change of burning rate is always less than the (linear) rate of change of mass flow
through the exhaust, and the pressure in the chamber will stabilize after any
positive or negative change in burning rate. Typical ranges of 𝑛𝑛 range from 0.4 to
0.7.

P.6 ■ Solution
Part A: The thrust developed by the rocket is given by

 j CT = 6.0 × 2000 ×1.5 = 18.0 kN

T = mc

B The correct answer is B.

Part B: The mass ratio is calculated as

 ∆u   1600 
MR = exp  −  = exp  −  = 0.449
 c   2000 
 j 
The corresponding propellant mass follows as

m=
p m0 (1 − MR=
) 4000 × (1 − 0.449=) 2200 kg

B The correct answer is C.

P.7 ■ Solution
The exhaust velocity can be determined by solving the mass flow rate
equation for 𝑉𝑉𝑒𝑒 ,
m
m ρe AeVe →=
= Ve
ρe Ae
However, 𝜌𝜌𝑒𝑒 = 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 × 𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑒 ⁄𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 𝑇𝑇𝑒𝑒 and 𝐴𝐴𝑒𝑒 = 𝜋𝜋𝐷𝐷𝑒𝑒2 ⁄4, so that

m 4 ReTe m
V=
e → V=
e
ρe Ae MWpeπ De2
4 × 8.314 ×1500 ×16.2
=∴Ve = 1700 m s
24 ×101× 3.14 × 0.252
The effective jet velocity follows as

( p − pa ) A (101 − 5.5 ) ×103   π × 0.252 


cj V + e
= e e 1700 +
= × =1900 m s
m 24  4 

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© 2020 Montogue Quiz
 Lastly, the total thrust is the product of effective velocity and propellant
mass flow,

T=
mc 24 × 2400 =
 j= 57.6 kN

B The correct answer is A.

P.8 ■ Solution
Part A: The mass of propellant is determined first,
mp
m0 =m pl + mmotor → 25 =2 +
0.88
20.2 kg
∴ mp =

Given 𝑚𝑚𝑝𝑝 ⁄𝑚𝑚0 = 20.2/25 = 0.808, the mass ratio is calculated as

20.2
1−
MR = 0.192
=
25
The minimum allowable burning time is then

I sp g ( m p m0 ) 260 × 9.81× 0.808

=t p ,min = = 215 s
α max MR 50 × 0.192

The maximum velocity relative to the launch vehicle is calculated to be

 1   1 
∆u= I sp g ln  = 215 × 9.81× ln  = 4210 m s
 MR   0.192 

B The correct answer is B.

Part B: The initial mass flow is 𝑚𝑚̇0 = 20.2/215 = 0.0940 kg/s, and the total
impulse is 𝐼𝐼 = 𝑐𝑐𝑚𝑚𝑝𝑝 = 260 × 9.81 × 20.2 = 51,500 N∙s. Half of the impulse is
delivered at the previous propellant flow rate, which corresponds to a time of 𝑡𝑡𝑝𝑝,1 =
215/2 = 108 sec. The other half of the impulse is delivered at a mass flow rate such
that 𝑚𝑚̇2 = 0.20 × 0.0940 = 0.0188 kg/s, and corresponds to a time interval

0.5 × I 0.5 × 51,500

t p ,2
= = = 537 s
m 2 I sp g 0.0188 × 260 × 9.81

The minimum allowable burn time is then

t ′p = t p ,1 + t p ,2 =108 + 537 = 645 s

B The correct answer is C.

P.9 ■ Solution
1. False. The total impulse is the area under the curve of thrust versus time.
Since we were given a discrete series of thrust-time data points, the impulse is
determined by numerical integration. The area of each trapezoid is

Area = Base ×
( Height 1 + Height 2 )
2
Accordingly,

 0.5 × ( 7200 + 9000 ) + 0.5 × ( 9000 + 7800 ) + 1.0 × ( 7800 + 8400 ) 

 
I = 0.5 ×  +0.5 × ( 8400 + 8400 ) + 0.5 × ( 8400 + 7500 ) + 0.5 × ( 7500 + 7600 )  = 34,900 N ⋅ s
 +0.5 × 7600 + 8800 + 0.25 × 8800 + 9200 + 0.05 × 9200 + 0 
 ( ) ( ) ( )
The specific impulse is obtained by dividing 𝐼𝐼 by the product of propellant
mass 𝑚𝑚𝑝𝑝 = 15.0 kg and 𝑔𝑔 = 9.81 m/s2; that is,

I 34,900
I sp
= = = 237 s
m p g 15.0 × 9.81

2. True. The average thrust is the ratio of impulse and the time
encompassed by the thrust-time data; that is,

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© 2020 Montogue Quiz
 I 34,900
T= = = 8.12 kN
t 4.30
3. True. The effective jet velocity follows as

cj
I sp = → c j = I sp × g
g
∴ c j = 237 × 9.81= 2330 m s

P.10 ■ Solution
Part A: The propulsive power is given by

Pp = m p c j u

where 𝑚𝑚̇𝑝𝑝 = 5.2 kg/s is the propellant flow rate, 𝑐𝑐𝑗𝑗 = 1400 m/s is the effective
jet velocity, and 𝑢𝑢 = 8800/3.6 = 2440 m/s is the flight speed, so that

Pp =m p c j u =5.2 ×1400 × 2440 =17.8 MW

The propulsion efficiency is given by

Propulsive power
ηp =
Engine output power
where the propulsive power = 𝑚𝑚̇𝑝𝑝 𝑐𝑐𝑗𝑗 𝑢𝑢 as proposed above and the engine output
power 𝑚𝑚̇𝑝𝑝 (𝑐𝑐𝑗𝑗2 + 𝑢𝑢2 )/2, with the result that

m p × c j × u 2u cj 2σ
=ηp = =
m p ( c j + u ) 1 + u c j 1 + σ
2 2 2 2 2

2
Here, we have introduced the velocity ratio 𝜎𝜎 = 𝑢𝑢⁄𝑐𝑐𝑗𝑗 , which in the present
case becomes

u 2440
σ= = = 1.74
c j 1400

Accordingly,

2 ×1.74
=ηp = 0.864
1 + 1.742

B The correct answer is D.

Part B: The engine output can be determined by dividing the propulsive
power by the propulsive efficiency,

Pp Pp
ηp = → PT =
PT ηp
17.8
∴ P=
T = 20.6 MW
0.864
Another way to arrive at the same result is to apply the aforementioned relation

1
PT = m p ( c 2j + u 2 ) = 0.5 × 5.2 × (14002 + 24402 ) = 20.6 MW
2
The thermal efficiency is given by the ratio of engine output power to the
power input through fuel,

Engine output power PT

=ηT =
Power input through fuel m p QR

where 𝑄𝑄𝑅𝑅 = 6600 kJ/kg is the heat of reaction of the propellants. Hence,

20.6
=ηT = 0.60
5.2 × 6.6
Lastly, we may also determine the overall efficiency, which is stated as the
product of the two foregoing efficiency terms; that is,

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© 2020 Montogue Quiz
 ηo = η pηT = 0.864 × 0.60 = 0.518

The overall efficiency of the rocket is close to 52 percent.

B The correct answer is B.

P.11 ■ Solution
The increase in speed is given by

N  m0 
=∆u g ∑ ( I sp ) × ln  
i m −m
i =1  0 p i
Consider the first stage. Since the payload is carried atop the third stage
into orbit, the total mass of the first stage is

m0,1 = mt ,1 + mt ,2 + mt ,3 + mL
∴ m0,1= 15, 000 + 4500 + 1000 + 200
= 20, 700 kg

and, given the propellant mass 𝑚𝑚̇𝑝𝑝,1 = 12,500 kg, it follows that

 m0,1   20, 700 

( I ) × ln  m
sp 1 210 × ln 
 = =194 s
 0,1 − m p ,1   20, 700 − 12,500 

Next, consider the second stage. As the propellant of the first stage is
burned off during powered ascent, the near-empty tank and structure of the first
stage are dropped off to reduce the weight of the vehicle to achieve orbital velocity.
Smaller amount of propellant is retained in the second - and third -stage tanks.
Accordingly, mass 𝑚𝑚0,2 is determined as

m0,2 = mt ,2 + mt ,3 + mL = 4500 + 1000 + 200 = 5700 kg

and, given the propellant mass 𝑚𝑚̇𝑝𝑝,2 = 3750 kg, it follows that

 m0,2   5700 
(I )
sp 2 × ln 
m −m   250 × ln 
=
 5700 − 3750
=

268 s
 0,2 p ,2 
Next, consider the third stage. Since the second stage is dropped off as well,
mass 𝑚𝑚0,3 is determined as

m0,3 = mt ,3 + mL = 1000 + 200 = 1200 kg

and, given the propellant mass 𝑚𝑚𝑝𝑝,3 = 750 kg, it follows that

 m0,3   1200 
(I )
sp 3 × ln 
m −m   290 × ln 
=
 1200 − 750
=

284 s
 0,3 p ,3 
Gleaning our results, the increase in speed is calculated to be

∆u= 9.81× (194 + 268 + 284=

) 7320 m s
B The correct answer is D.

P.12 ■ Solution
The burning rate is expressed by Vielle’s law,

r = apcn

where 𝑎𝑎 is an empirical constant influenced by the ambient temperature of the

propellant prior to ignition, 𝑛𝑛 is the burning rate pressure exponent, and 𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐 is the
chamber pressure. For test 1, we write

r1 = apcn,1

Likewise, for test 2,

r2 = apcn,2

Since the energetic material is the same in both tests, coefficients 𝑎𝑎 and 𝑛𝑛
do not change. Dividing the two preceding equations gives

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© 2020 Montogue Quiz
 n
r1  pc ,1   r  p 
=  → ln  1  = n × ln  c ,1 
r2  pc ,2  p 
 r2   c ,2 
ln ( r1 r2 ) ln ( 24.5 12.5 )
=∴n = = 1.37
ln ( pc ,1 pc ,2 ) ln (18 11)

Returning to Vielle’s law with this result, we have

r
r= apcn → a=
pcn
24.5
a
∴= = 0.467
181.37
Accordingly, the combustion pressure for a burning rate of 25 mm/s is
calculated as

1 1
 r  n  25 1.37
pc =
=   = 18.3 MPa
a  0.467 

B The correct answer is B.

P.13 ■ Solution
Part A: The thrust for an ion thruster with a singly charged propellant, in
Newtons, is given by
2M
T= I b Vb
e

where 𝑀𝑀 is the ion mass, 𝑒𝑒 is the elementary charge, 𝐼𝐼𝑏𝑏 is the ion beam current, and
𝑉𝑉𝑏𝑏 is the net voltage through which the ion was accelerated. If the propellant is
xenon, the first term (2𝑀𝑀 ⁄𝑒𝑒)0.5 = 1.65 × 10-3 and the equation for 𝑇𝑇, expressed in
mN, becomes

T = 1.65 I b Vb [ mN ]
The foregoing expression is the basic thrust equation for a unidirectional,
singly ionized, monoenergetic beam of ions. The equation must be modified to
account for (1) the divergence of the ion beam and (2) the presence of multiply
charged ions. The first correction is represented by a factor 𝐹𝐹𝑡𝑡 such that

Ft = cos θ

where 𝜃𝜃 is the average half-angle divergence of the beam. The second correction is
expressed by a factor 𝛼𝛼 given by

I ++
1 + 0.707
α= I+
I ++
1+
I+
where 𝐼𝐼++ ⁄𝐼𝐼+ is the fraction of double ion current in the beam. Both correction
factors can be stated as a single factor 𝛾𝛾 such that

γ = α Ft
so that the corrected thrust becomes

2M
T′ = γ I b Vb
e
If xenon is the propellant, we have

T ′ = 1.65γ I b Vb [ mN ]
Consider the data at hand. For a 15-degree half-angle beam divergence, we
have

=Ft cos
= 20o 0.940

For a 18% doubles-to-singles ratio, in turn, we find that

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© 2020 Montogue Quiz
 1 + 0.707 × 0.18
=α = 0.955
1 + 0.18
with the result that

γ = 0.940 × 0.955 = 0.898

For a thruster producing 2 A of xenon ions at 1500 V, the thrust produced
follows as

T=′ 1.65 × 0.898 × 2 × 1500= 115 mN

This calculation illustrates the fact that the thrust of an ion engine is really
small. Ion engines are best used for very high-velocity increment missions in which
the time penalty associated with small thrust is not important. They are generally
suitable for interplanetary missions and for station keeping, where the low thrust is
not a disadvantage.

B The correct answer is A.

Part B: The specific impulse of an ion thruster may be approximated by the
relation

Vb
I sp = 1417γη m
Ma

where, in addition to the variables introduced before, we have the mass utilization
efficiency 𝜂𝜂𝑚𝑚 = 0.86 and the atomic mass 𝑀𝑀𝑎𝑎 = 131. Accordingly,

1500
I sp =1417 × 0.898 × 0.86 = 3700 sec
131

B The correct answer is C.

Part C: The total efficiency of the engine is given by

ηT = γ 2ηeηm
Here, in addition to aforementioned variables, we have the electrical
efficiency 𝜂𝜂𝑒𝑒 of the thruster, which is given by

I bVb
ηe =
I bVb + Po

where 𝑃𝑃𝑜𝑜 is the power input required to create the thrust beam. In the present case,
we require a 20-A, 25-V discharge to produce a 2-A ion beam, hence 𝑃𝑃𝑜𝑜 = 20 ×
25/2 = 250 eV/ion. Accordingly, the electrical efficiency follows as

I bVb 2 ×1500
=ηe = = 0.857
I bVb + Po 2 ×1500 + 250 × 2

Substituting in the first equation, the total efficiency is determined to be

ηT = γ 2ηeηm= 0.8982 × 0.857 × 0.86= 0.594

B The correct answer is C.

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© 2020 Montogue Quiz
Answer Summary
Problem 1 T/F
Problem 2 T/F
3A Open-ended pb.
Problem 3
3B B
4A Open-ended pb.
Problem 4
4B C
Problem 5 T/F
6A B
Problem 6
6B C
Problem 7 A
8A B
Problem 8
8B C
Problem 9 T/F
10A D
Problem 10
10B B
Problem 11 D
Problem 12 B
13A A
Problem 13 13B C
13C C
References
• EL-SAYED, A. (2016). Fundamentals of Aircraft and Rocket Propulsion.
Heidelberg: Springer.
• GOEBEL, D. and KATZ, I. (2008) Fundamentals of Electric Propulsion.
Hoboken: John Wiley and Sons.
• HEISTER, S., ANDERSON, W., POURPOINT, T., and CASSADY, R. (2019).
Rocket Propulsion. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• MISHRA, D. (2017) Fundamentals of Rocket Propulsion. Boca Raton: CRC
Press.
• SUTTON, G. and BIBLARZ, O. (2010). Rocket Propulsion Elements. 8th
edition. Hoboken: John Wiley and Sons.
• YAHYA, S. (1982). Fundamentals of Compressible Flow. Hoboken: John
Wiley and Sons.

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© 2020 Montogue Quiz