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jeffonfire
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Why are rockets round? Why not triangular, would it not be easier to make in some ways?
minger said:I've recently seen a design by a major airframer that used a trapdezodial body shape. I can't remember the reasonings, I would assume packaging, but I believe that there were aerodynamic reasons as well. I can't remember the program, but I think it's findable through Google.
The design criteria for a thrust vectoring nozzle and a rocket nozzle are drastically different. The only thing they have in common is the fact that they are attached to a propulsion device. Just about the only rocket nozzle that isn't round is the aerospike and that has never flown.Doug Huffman said:But note the not-round thrust vectoring nozzles on high performance jet engines. Both rocket motors and jet engines are reaction motors.
Cruise missiles Taurus, AGM-86s ALCM, Storm Shadow; all subsonic powered by air breathing reaction motors.minger said:I've recently seen a design by a major airframer that used a trapdezodial body shape.
And have nothing to do with being a rocket. Again, just because they are reaction propulsion, they are completely different in their operation and environment.Doug Huffman said:Cruise missiles Taurus, AGM-86s ALCM, Storm Shadow; all subsonic powered by air breathing reaction motors.
Rockets are round in order to minimize drag and maximize stability during flight. A round shape creates less resistance against the air, allowing the rocket to travel faster and more efficiently.
Yes, rockets can be designed with different shapes depending on their purpose. For example, some rockets used for space exploration have a more cylindrical shape to maximize the amount of cargo they can carry. However, for most rockets, a round shape is the most optimal for achieving high speeds and stability.
In addition to minimizing drag, a round shape also helps evenly distribute the weight and fuel of the rocket, making it easier to control and maneuver. It also allows for a more streamlined design, reducing the amount of structural stress on the rocket during liftoff and flight.
While a round shape is generally the most efficient for rockets, it does have some limitations. For example, a round shape may not provide enough surface area for certain types of propulsion systems, such as wings or fins. This is why some rockets may have a combination of round and flat surfaces to accommodate different needs.
The design of rockets has evolved significantly over time, from the earliest gunpowder rockets to modern day space shuttles. In the past, rockets were often more cylindrical or cone-shaped, but as technology advanced, designers were able to better understand the aerodynamics of rocket flight and optimize their shapes for maximum efficiency.