13
$\begingroup$

The Atlas V 411 configuration is interesting because there is a single SRB on one side of the first stage, requiring the main engines to vector substantially to keep the thrust mostly axial.

The series of beautiful images in Space Flight Insider Photo Gallery: Launch of NASA’S OSIRIS-REx show the night launch, and details of the single sided booster of the Atlas V 411 configuration.

In one image I noticed that the exhaust plumes are expanding differently - the SRB exhaust is expanding nicely, but the exhaust from the main engines appears to contract after it exits. Does this mean that the pressure in the exhaust is actually sub-atmospheric (if I put a rugged pressure meter in there, moving at the same speed as the exhaust would it read below 15 psi?) , or is it moving so fast with respect to the atmosphere that the "Bernoulli effect" causes a pressure drop across the interface, causing it to contract?

I'm looking for more than the simple answer about compromises in expansion ratio - I'd like to know if the pressure in the first stage exhaust is really sub-atmospheric in a frame moving with the exhaust itself.

cropped detail of a photo of Atlas V 411 launch of OSIRIS-REx from Space Flight Insider

above: cropped detail of photo below

a photo of Atlas V 411 launch of OSIRIS-REx from Space Flight Insider Photo of Atlas V 411 launch of OSIRIS-REx from Space Flight Insider source

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
1
  • 6
    $\begingroup$ Not an answer, just some additional information: The booster burn time is 90 seconds, the center core 240s - That means, the booster shuts down around 20 km and never operates below 50 mbar ambient pressure. Seems reasonable to have its nozzle at a lower expansion ratio. $\endgroup$
    – asdfex
    Sep 12, 2016 at 8:16

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
15
$\begingroup$

Yes, the pressure of the first stage exhaust is always at least slightly subatmospheric, because that gives the maximum average ISP over the whole burn time. Rockets with boosters attached (parallel staging) often operate at the lowest possible exhaust pressure that prevents the flow from detaching from the nozzle walls. Historically, the Summerfield criterion was used, where the minimum pressure in a nozzle must be greater than 0.35...0.4*atmospheric pressure, but more recent designs use even lower pressures. For example, if I remember correctly, the Vulcain 2 was designed using the Schmucker criterion, which factors in the Mach number as well.

More info

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
6
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ I keep seeing discussions about optimal expansion, but this the first time I really have come face-to-face with the fact that the thrust can have such a huge force (vector) and temperature yet have such low pressure. Since it is so hot, the density must be only a few percent of atmospheric density. Amazing! $\endgroup$
    – uhoh
    Sep 12, 2016 at 10:24
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ The exhaust density also depends on the propellant combination used. $\endgroup$
    – Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
    Sep 13, 2016 at 9:28
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Yep - I'm just ballparking ~0.5X the pressure and ~15X temperature = "few percent". It's way out of equilibrium and some fraction of the carbon is already forming particulates, so it's a mess, but it must be greater than 1% and less than 10%. $\endgroup$
    – uhoh
    Sep 13, 2016 at 10:53
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @uhoh It feels slightly more intuitive when you conceptualize it as actually tremendously high-pressure... at the throat of the chamber. All that thrust comes from it expanding to ambient pressure $\endgroup$
    – Anton Hengst
    Jan 21, 2022 at 19:11
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @OrganicMarble The spelling change I meant to make was "criterium" to "criterion". The engine name I'll happily restore. $\endgroup$
    – Ryan C
    Oct 2, 2022 at 20:54

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.