Question  1: Why aren't Aerospikes used more commonly in the industry?

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Answer: Aerospikes' complexity, cost, and technical challenges associated with their use have limited their widespread adoption in the industry. While they have some advantages over traditional rocket nozzles, such as reduced weight and improved performance at lower altitudes, they have not yet been proven to be significantly better than traditional nozzles in terms of overall performance and cost-effectiveness. As a result, traditional rocket nozzles are still preferred for many applications.

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Question 2: What is an Aerospike and how does it work?

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Answer: An aerospike nozzle is a type of rocket engine nozzle that has a unique shape that allows it to maintain high efficiency at a range of altitudes. Unlike traditional bell-shaped rocket nozzles, an aerospike nozzle has an inverse bell nozzle shape with a spike at the center that compresses exhaust gases and provides improved performance. The exhaust is automatically forced to adhere to its optimal expansion due to the atmospheric pressure changing as it increases in altitude.

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Question 3: What risks come with an Aerospike?

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Answer: There are several risks associated with the use of an aerospike rocket engine nozzle. One of the main risks is the complexity and technical challenges associated with the design and manufacturing of the aerospike, which can increase the risk of failure. Additionally, since aerospike rocket nozzles are not yet widely used in the industry, there is a lack of established design and operational standards, which can further increase the risk of failure.

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Question 4: Why solid propellant vs. Liquid?

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Answer: Solid propellants are typically used in aerospike rocket engines because they are easier to store and handle, and they have a longer shelf life than liquid propellants. Solid propellants also have higher thrust-to-weight ratios, which makes them well-suited for certain rocket applications. However, liquid propellants are typically preferred for larger rockets and more complex missions because they can be throttled and shut down more easily than solid propellants.

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Question 5: Why did we make a full spike and a truncated spike?

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Answer: The full spike is the easiest to design and can act as a base comparison between any alterations to it. The truncated spike is an attempt to remedy the high cost of manufacturing and materials as well as to prevent a structural deformation due to thermal conditions.

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Question 6: What were the simulations used for?

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Answer: The ANSYS Fluent simulations allowed the team to observe how the aerospike design would behave when firing. By simulating the fluid flow through the structure, the team could analyze important parameters such as pressures, temperatures, and velocities. This information can then be used to optimize the design and make necessary modifications to achieve desired performance characteristics.

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