CZECHOSLOVAK IDEAS ON AEROSPACE PROPULSION,
Abstract
Annotated drawings are presented from a popular booklet which describes Czechoslovak aerospace propulsion ideas. The scope of the book is illustrated by the reproduced drawings. The following two ideas are of special interest: (1) Metastable atoms have a large energy excess compared to stable atoms. This excess energy might be used to drive rockets. Metastable fuels can be stored under stable conditions at extremely low temperatures. (2) Solar radiation dissociates and ionizes the individual gases that make up the high strata of the atmosphere into free radicals and ions. When these revert to the initial states, they liberate large amounts of energy. The accumulated energy of free radicals and ions might be used in aircraft propulsion at high altitudes. Such a drive might consist of a ramjet engine with an electrically charged catalyzer-screen set designed to utilize the recombination of oxygen and other types of ions, converting the energy thus liberated into thrust. Output of such an engin would depend on the composition of the upper atmosphere, the aerodynamic engine cycle, and the chemical kinetics of ion recombination. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 12, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0281817
Entities
Organizations
- Library of Congress