THERMODYNAMIC AND SYSTEM CRITERIA

Generally propellants are compared on the basis of their specific impulse. However, it can be shown readily that other properties of the propeUant combination may play an important role in the system as well. Ideally, for zero drag and 

As given in previous chapters, mt is the initial mass of the rocket power plant and mQ is the empty mass. If now V is the volume of the propeUant tanks, then  

In this limit then the bulk density approaches the specific impulse in importance. 

In this limit the specific impulse is of prime importance. 

Propellant selection then should consider density, as well as specific impulse. For pure terrestrial weapon systems other considerations such as reliability, readibili-ty, cost, are also of importance. Other desirable properties of propellants are detailed below. 

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