Introduction to Rocket Science and Engineering

An overall view of the vast spectrum of knowledge needed by practicing rocket scientists and engineers, Introduction to Rocket Science and Engineering presents the history and basics of rocket theory, design, experimentation, testing, and applications. It covers an array of fields, from advanced mathematics, chemistry, and physics to logistics, systems engineering, and politics.
The text begins with a discussion on the discovery and development of rockets as well as the basic principles governing rockets and rocket science. It explains why rockets are needed from economic, philosophical, and strategic standpoints and looks at why the physics of the universe forces us to use rockets to complete certain activities. Exploring how rockets work, the author covers the concepts of thrust, momentum, impulse, and the rocket equation, along with the rocket engine, its components, and the physics involved in the generation of the propulsive force. He also presents several different types of rocket engines and discusses the testing of rocket components, subsystems, systems, and complete products. The final chapter stresses the importance of rocket scientists and engineers to think of the unusual, unlikely, and unthinkable when dealing with the complexities of rocketry.
Taking students through the process of becoming a rocket scientist or engineer, this text supplies a hands-on understanding of the many facets of rocketry. It provides the ideal foundation for students to continue on their journey in rocket science and engineering.

What Are Rockets?
The History of Rockets
Rockets of the Modern Era
Rocket Anatomy and Nomenclature
Why Are Rockets Needed?
Missions and Payloads
Trajectories
Orbits
Orbit Changes and Maneuvers
Ballistic Missile Trajectories
How Do Rockets Work?
Thrust
Specific Impulse
Weight Flow Rate
Tsiolkovsky’s Rocket Equation
Staging
Rocket Dynamics, Guidance, and Control
How Do Rocket Engines Work?
The Basic Rocket Engine
Thermodynamic Expansion and the Rocket Nozzle
Exit Velocity
Rocket Engine Area Ratio and Lengths
Rocket Engine Design Example
Are All Rockets the Same?
Solid Rocket Engines
Liquid Propellant Rocket Engines
Hybrid Rocket Engines
Electric Rocket Engines
Nuclear Rocket Engines
Solar Rocket Engines
Photon-Based Engines
How Do We Test Rockets?
The Systems Engineering Process and Rocket Development
Measuring Thrust
Pressure Vessel Tests
Shake ’n Bake Tests
Drop and Landing Tests
Environment Tests
Destructive Tests
Modeling and Simulation
Roll-Out Test
Flight Tests
Are We Thinking Like Rocket Scientists and Engineers?
Weather Cocking
Fuel Sloshing
Propellant Vorticity
Tornadoes and Overpasses
Flying Foam Debris
Monocoque
The Space Mission Analysis and Design Process
Back to the Moon
Suggested Reading for Rocket Scientists and Engineers
Index
A Chapter Summary and Exercises appear at the end of each chapter.