Could Liquid Neon Be a Viable Rocket Fuel?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the viability of liquid neon as a rocket fuel, highlighting its significant expansion ratio of 1:1400 when transitioning from liquid to gas. Participants debate the feasibility of using neon in its N- and N+ states, considering energy requirements and operational conditions such as temperature and pressure. The conversation emphasizes the importance of evaluating potential fuels based on stored energy rather than solely on expansion ratios, referencing water-steam's expansion ratio of 1:1700 and the effectiveness of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) as a fuel due to its exothermic reaction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics, particularly phase transitions.
  • Knowledge of rocket propulsion concepts and fuel types.
  • Familiarity with the properties of gases and liquids at various temperatures and pressures.
  • Basic principles of chemical reactions, especially exothermic reactions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the thermodynamic properties of liquid neon and its phase behavior.
  • Explore the applications of supercritical fluids in propulsion systems.
  • Study the chemical properties and reactions of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) as a rocket fuel.
  • Investigate the energy requirements for various rocket fuels and their expansion ratios.
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, rocket propulsion researchers, and anyone interested in alternative rocket fuels and their thermodynamic properties.

samblohm
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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?
 
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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?
 
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).
 
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