Could Liquid Neon Be a Viable Rocket Fuel?

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential use of neon as a rocket fuel and its expansion ratio when transitioning from a liquid to a gas. There are questions raised about the feasibility and energy requirements of utilizing neon as a rocket fuel, and the suggestion is made to consider stored energy rather than just expansion ratio when evaluating potential fuels.
  • #1
samblohm
60
1
It is my understanding that when neon goes from a liquid to a gas, it has an expansion ratio of 1:1400. Would using N- and N+ be a realistic rocket fuel? I understand that it would take a lot of energy but is there a way to figure out how much?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Are you talking about operating below the triple point (-229 deg C)? Or are you talking about using it as supercritical fluid at room temp? At what pressure?
 
  • #3
It's probably best to look at a potential fuel from a stored energy standpoint than an expansion ratio standpoint. Water-steam has an expansion ratio of about 1:1700, but the expansion actually requires energy added, making water by itself useless as a rocket fuel (however Hydrogen Peroxide H2O2 is useful with a catalyst because it is an exothermic reaction and creates steam and oxygen).
 
Last edited:

1. What is a liquid neon rocket design?

A liquid neon rocket design is a type of rocket propulsion system that uses liquid neon as its fuel source. This type of rocket design is still in the early stages of development and is not yet widely used.

2. How does a liquid neon rocket work?

In a liquid neon rocket, the liquid neon is first heated and then expanded through a nozzle to create thrust. This thrust propels the rocket forward and allows it to travel through space.

3. What are the advantages of using liquid neon as a rocket fuel?

One major advantage of using liquid neon as a rocket fuel is that it is a very efficient propellant, meaning it can provide a lot of thrust with a relatively small amount of fuel. Additionally, liquid neon is non-toxic and non-corrosive, making it safer and easier to handle than other rocket fuels.

4. What are the challenges of designing a liquid neon rocket?

One major challenge of designing a liquid neon rocket is the difficulty of storing and handling liquid neon. It must be kept at extremely low temperatures (-246 degrees Celsius) in order to remain in its liquid state. Additionally, the technology for heating and expanding the neon gas is still being developed.

5. What is the potential future for liquid neon rocket design?

The use of liquid neon as a rocket fuel is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize space travel. Its efficiency and non-toxic properties make it an attractive option for future rocket designs. However, more research and development is needed before it can become a mainstream propulsion system.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • Aerospace Engineering
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • Aerospace Engineering
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • Aerospace Engineering
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Aerospace Engineering
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Back
Top