Rocketplane update

[wvbraun]

Link<br /><br />Looks like Virgin Galactic has got company. <img src="/images/icons/cool.gif" />

 

[wvbraun]

I'm not an engineer but I think the concept is sound. If there were obvious problems with the design the engineers should have realized this by now, after all they have been working on this for a decade.

 

[arobie]

<font color="yellow">"Since ORBITEC’s patented engine has a cold-wall combustion chamber, its design avoids many common problems of chamber wall cooling. The patented system injects an oxidizer propellant circumferentially on the wall just above the exit nozzle. This flow forms a strong vortex that spirals up the chamber wall. At the head end of the chamber, the flow spirals in and downward, forming a discreet second vortex in the chamber core region. The fuel is injected into the head of the core vortex, mixes, ignites, and burns as it spirals down toward the nozzle. Because the hot combustion gasses never directly contact the chamber wall, the wall is never exposed to high temperatures, and so remains cool. An unprecedented level of durability is achieved."</font><br /><br />Holy crap! That's awesome! I wish they could stick a camera inside the engine. I want to see that. It's gotta look awesome!<br /><br />That is an excellent idea. Ingenious.

 

[tap_sa]

While waiting for inside camera footage check the patent. There are a few schematics how it is supposed to work. Having a patent doesn't guarantee anything considering USPTO's notorious reputation. I do hope this turns out to be a real thing! Pure oxygen hugging chamber walls puts pretty tough material requirements.