Combining liquid air cycles with turbine engines for RLVS

Jeremy M. Sebens, Rodney L. Burton, Anthony M. Jacobi, Kevin A. Brown, Gregory J. Michna

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Synergetic relationships between liquid-air cycle systems and turbine engines are considered for use in reusable launch vehicles, and it is shown that several benefits can be realized. The concept of in-flight air liquefaction was first developed in the late 1950s as the Liquid Air Cycle Engine (LACE). This paper extends the LACE concept to a LANCCE concept for propulsion in the Mach 3-7 range, using air liquefaction combined with zeotropic air separation. The paper describes the LANCCE/turbine architecture, presents typical performance calculations based on a spreadsheet model, and gives weight estimates for the major components of a low-cost orbital RLV. A payload of 14 MT is predicted for a 280 MT takeoff mass. Cost estimates are given based on an empirical cost model and predict $2600/kg to orbit, an order-of-magnitude improvement over the space shuttle. The need for lightweight air liquefaction heat exchangers is discussed, and preliminary experimental studies on advanced compact heat exchangers are described.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication12th AIAA International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.
ISBN (Print)9781624100857
DOIs
StatePublished - 2003
Externally publishedYes
Event12th AIAA International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies 2003 - Norfolk, VA, United States
Duration: Dec 15 2003Dec 19 2003

Publication series

Name12th AIAA International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies

Other

Other12th AIAA International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies 2003
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNorfolk, VA
Period12/15/0312/19/03

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Space and Planetary Science
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering

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