undefined | Better HN

0 pointsrefurb2y ago0 comments

As a former chemist, I thought this book was a great example of "applied chemistry".

The theoretical aspects are challenging enough. But then you realize just how difficult the practical application of the theory can be. Sure, a mixture of fuming nitric acid and hydrazine will produce enough propulsion, but how do you dump tons of it into an engine without it just exploding?

0 comments

3 comments · 3 top-level

ethbr12y ago

The section on building high-precision detonation speed timing apparatuses (and occasional explosive deconstruction of same) made me realize how uncomfortably close "information we require" and "catastrophic consequences of collection that information" are in the field.

graphe2y ago

https://youtu.be/K0FLy2nI13E turbopump https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbopump

lazide2y ago

There are few things that get certain types of chemists and engineers excited like being able to find out - and not being in trouble with ‘the bosses’ if it explodes a few times along the way.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse