Fastbränslen

Fastbränslen, commonly known as rocket fuel, refers to propellants used in rocket engines. These propellants are typically composed of two main components: fuel and oxidizer, which combine in a controlled combustion process to generate thrust. The rapid expansion of hot gases produced by this combustion is expelled through a nozzle, propelling the rocket forward.

Rocket fuels can be broadly categorized into solid, liquid, and hybrid systems. Solid propellants are pre-mixed and cast into a solid grain. Once ignited, they burn until exhausted, offering simplicity and high thrust but limited control over combustion. Liquid propellants involve separate fuel and oxidizer components stored in tanks and pumped into a combustion chamber where they are mixed and ignited. This allows for throttling and shutdown capabilities. Hybrid propellants combine features of both, typically using a solid fuel and a liquid or gaseous oxidizer.

The choice of propellant significantly impacts rocket performance, affecting factors like specific impulse (a measure of efficiency), thrust, storability, and cost. Common liquid fuels include kerosene (RP-1) and liquid hydrogen, while common oxidizers include liquid oxygen (LOX) and nitrogen tetroxide. Solid propellants often use ammonium perchlorate as an oxidizer mixed with a polymer binder. The development of advanced fastbränslen continues to be a critical area of research in space exploration and rocketry.