Suborbital flight and other long distance travel alternatives

04/09/2018

The present thesis is focused on the energy and efficiency analysis of a suborbital flight. A general design framework has been developed in order to compare the different configurations of this method of transportation and other long distance alternatives. First of all, a re-usable multistage rocket has been designed, this will constitute the base for future configurations. Secondly a Waverider and Wingbody type vehicles will be considered for re-entry. Thanks to their capability of generating lift they will perform a Skip re-entry manoeuvre, which will improve overall range and efficiency. As an alternative to suborbital flights a Hypersonic aircraft will be considered. The preliminary design of this vehicle will follow historical trends and data, as well as developing technologies. This configuration will use Turbine-based combined engine, in order to achieve speeds over Mach 5. Finally, this alternatives will be compared with current transportation, such as Jetliners, trains and cars. This will provide a comparison framework for every alternative, giving the best solution for a given range, flight time and number of passengers.

Autores da comunidade :

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  G

  Guillermo Morena Serda

  ist189009

Orientadores desta instituição:

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  P

  Paulo Jorge Soares Gil

  ist12912

mechanical-engineering - Engenharia Mecânica

eng - Inglês

Instituto Superior Técnico