Re[4]: Re: Multiple engines (was RE: Liquox)

Henry Spencer wrote:

>> Where in some instances the tail will wag the dog.

HS> That particular problem can be reduced, for single-axis gimbaling, using
HS> the technique used for the British peroxide engines:  put the gimbal axis
HS> at roughly the engine center of mass, rather than up above the engine.
HS> (The Brits took this one step farther and ran the propellants in along
HS> the axis, one from each side, so that they could use rotary seals rather
HS> than flexible hoses.)

If memory serves there are also Russian examples of single- axis hinged vernier
engines running on LOX/Kero, where the propellants go through the hinges and
tightness is achieved by rotary seals.
A good and inexpensive solution compared to restrained metallic bellows especially
if it comes to higher pressures.


Hans Ulrich Ammann
mailto:[email protected]