Hardcover: 324 pages
Publisher: CRC Press (February 24, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420075284
ISBN-13: 978-1420075281
Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #189,979 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #84 in Books > Textbooks > Engineering > Aeronautical Engineering #94 in Books > Engineering & Transportation > Engineering > Aerospace > Astronautics & Space Flight #120 in Books > Business & Money > Industries > Agriculture
This book is an overview. There is no way you can go into depth on the material needed in 300 pages. This is no popular science book either. You need to be familiar with astronomy, physics (mechanics in particular), advanced math through calculus and differential equations, and even some chemistry to get the most from this book. It does try to balance some pretty good explanations with some examples, and there are exercises at the end of each chapter. Don't expect to be an expert at the end of the book. In fact, I'd say believing that you've been bombarded with enough material that you feel somewhat lost would be a good sign. The point of the book is to give you a feel for the kinds of calculations and sciences that are involved in rocket design so that you can decide if studying these topics in depth is for you. The book does show the author's love of the subject as he discusses motivations and even the kind of "dreamer" that the budding rocket scientist should be. You shouldn't be the type that looks at every problem and sees only limitations. Recommended for the upper level undergraduate physicist or engineer.The table of contents for this book is hard to come by so I show that next.1.What Are Rockets?The History of RocketsRockets of the Modern EraRocket Anatomy and NomenclatureWhy Are Rockets Needed?Missions and PayloadsTrajectoriesOrbitsOrbit Changes and ManeuversBallistic Missile Trajectories2.How Do Rockets Work?ThrustSpecific ImpulseWeight Flow RateTsiolkovsky's Rocket EquationStagingRocket Dynamics, Guidance, and Control3.How Do Rocket Engines Work?The Basic Rocket EngineThermodynamic Expansion and the Rocket NozzleExit VelocityRocket Engine Area Ratio and LengthsRocket Engine Design ExampleAre All Rockets the Same?Solid Rocket EnginesLiquid Propellant Rocket EnginesHybrid Rocket EnginesElectric Rocket EnginesNuclear Rocket EnginesSolar Rocket EnginesPhoton-Based Engines4.How Do We Test Rockets?The Systems Engineering Process and Rocket DevelopmentMeasuring ThrustPressure Vessel TestsShake 'n Bake TestsDrop and Landing TestsEnvironment TestsDestructive TestsModeling and SimulationRoll-Out TestFlight Tests5.Are We Thinking Like Rocket Scientists and Engineers?Weather CockingFuel SloshingPropellant VorticityTornadoes and OverpassesFlying Foam DebrisMonocoqueThe Space Mission Analysis and Design ProcessBack to the MoonSuggested Reading for Rocket Scientists and EngineersIndex
I have recently bought this book in order to learn some basics about rockets, expecting a far more simple text. After reading the whole book, I cannot say I have missed part of my pretty precious spare's time. This is, indeed, one of the most concise and pretty accurate applied's science book I have ever read, and I have read a few now. Don't be afraid of the book's thickness, as someone else stated before, it treats tons of differents fields involved in rocket's design and operation. You should be used to basics physics, and general engineering knowledge to get the point the book tries to reach.Simple in concept and expected to be more a student's text book than a hard science's book, if you have technical knowledge and have little idea about rockets, this book covers almost everything to design one.There are, of course, tons of other issues not covered in this book, like pump's cavitation, special equipment for cryo requirements, and so on, but, again, I should state that the latest isn't possible without the previous.I have enjoyed a lot this book, and I am just a "freak" who enjoys technology in general, including hard science books. Considering that, I highly recommend that book, and it is worth the money it cost.Remember one thing, and it is the book's title. As it states, it is an introduction, so expect basics on topic. This way, book fully satisfied the title, and surpasses it by far.
The topic was well presented. The author does a great job of making rocket science easy to understand. The chapters were organized in a logical and easy to follow manner. This book is excellent for someone who just wants to get an understanding of rocket science while at the same time providing equations and calculations for university classroom study. Well done!
Fantastic work! You just need to make sure you have your math up to date. You need a minimum of Calc 2 and some differential equations to fully follow the mathematical aspect of it. Well put together, if you already have a rocket science background, you can still learn a lot from the way the author presents the material. If you don't have a rocket science background, you will definitely have a solid foundation, on the subject, that you can share with your kids or students. Get this book, you will be able to teach your kids, or your grandkids a lot when you take them to a science museum or exhibit that has rockets or space gadgets. A true joy ride.
A really good introduction. Would recommend as a first read to anyone who wants to learn more about rockets. It covers many essential topics. There are some prerequisites in math, but the good thing is that there is always a bottom line explaining what's behind. It's a great book that opens up to more detailed read if needed.
Great book clearly written by someone who knows the ins and outs of everything rocket science. It's a nice watered down minimal derivation style book that gets to the point quickly. Also a nice springboard into other subjects depending on your specific interests.
Great book. Has got the goods technically, and makes it interesting.
So cheap for a brand new awesome book!
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