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I am trying to model the Merlin 1D+ using inventor. I was wondering what the major differences between the Merlin 1D and 1D+ were. I find when I search trying to find a 1D+ engine all I come across is 1D.

Also, I know the basic parts of a rocket engine and I know the Merlin is a gas generator cycle. However, I am wondering if the heat exchanger on the nozzle is for heating the helium and cooling the nozzle or heating the LOX while still cooling the nozzle?

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  • $\begingroup$ It would not be helium in any case. $\endgroup$
    – Organic Marble
    Feb 9, 2017 at 17:57
  • $\begingroup$ Oh I thought that SpaceX uses the liquid helium from the COPVs and heats it over the nozzle to pressurize the tanks. $\endgroup$
    – Jake Blocker
    Feb 9, 2017 at 20:58
  • $\begingroup$ That is possible, I suppose. $\endgroup$
    – Organic Marble
    Feb 9, 2017 at 21:18

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SpaceX is behaving very unlike traditional aerospace companies by iterating their design on a regular basis. While they carved out major updates as Merlin 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, it has been a constant that they tweak within versions quite regularly.

It is unclear if there is a defined product Merlin 1D+ as opposed to the Full Thrust Merlin 1D.

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