Dhawan II Engine

About Dhawan II Engine:

• It is a 3D-printed cryogenic engine developed by the Skyroot Aerospace for its heavier vehicle, the Vikram II rocket.
• Features:
  • It uses a 3D-printed torch igniter and bellows actuated cryo-injection valve with a quick response time.
  • It utilises two high-performance rocket propellants, liquid natural gas (LNG) and liquid oxygen (LoX), which require cryogenic temperatures (below -150° Celsius) for storage and operation. 
• Advantage: A cryogenic upper stage enhances the payload-carrying capacity of a rocket.
• The cryogenic engine series is named in honour of Dr Satish Dhawan, an Indian rocket scientist.

What is 3D Printing?

• 3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file.
• The creation of a 3D-printed object is achieved using additive processes. 
• In an additive process, an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced cross-section of the object.
• 3D printing enables you to produce complex shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods.

 

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Q1) What is liquefied natural gas?

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a natural gas that has been converted to liquid form for ease of transportation and storage. Natural gas, which is primarily composed of methane, is liquefied by cooling it to approximately -162°C (-260°F) at atmospheric pressure.

Source:  Skyroot testfires 3D-printed cryogenic engine