Difference between revisions of "Fuel"
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| − | '''Fuel''', also called '''propellant''', is an expendable [[resource]] used by [[reaction engine]]s to generate | + | '''Fuel''', also called '''propellant''', is an expendable [[resource]] used by [[reaction engine]]s to generate thrust. Some fuels require another resource for the engine using them to operate, and others operate alone. The [[Convert-O-Tron 125]] or [[Convert-O-Tron 250]] on a craft can be used to convert [[Ore]] that has been drilled to fuel, but there are no other ways to generate fuel {{Check version||1.0.2}}; its only source is tanks added to [[craft]] during construction in the [[Editor]]. |
== Types == | == Types == | ||
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All fuels can be transferred between compatible types of fuel storage tanks ''except'' solid fuel, which is built into the same part as the engines which utilize it. | All fuels can be transferred between compatible types of fuel storage tanks ''except'' solid fuel, which is built into the same part as the engines which utilize it. | ||
| − | '''Liquid fuel''' is the most commonly used and must be combusted with a resource representing [[oxygen]]. For [[rocket engine]]s it must be combined with onboard [[oxidizer]] in a 9:11 ratio of fuel to oxidizer. For [[jet engine]]s each unit of fuel must be combined with 11 units of [[intake air]] continuously collected inside an oxygen-rich [[atmosphere]]. | + | '''Liquid fuel''' is the most commonly used and must be combusted with a resource representing [[oxygen]]. For [[rocket engine]]s it must be combined with onboard [[oxidizer]] in a 9:11 ratio of fuel to oxidizer. Fuel and oxidizer could be liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, as stated in the [[Convert-O-Tron 250]]'s description when it says "This mobile processing plant can take raw materials containing even trace amounts of oxygen and hydrogen, and crack them into useful fuel products." For [[jet engine]]s each unit of fuel must be combined with 11 units of [[intake air]] continuously collected inside an oxygen-rich [[atmosphere]]. |
| − | '''Solid fuel''' works alone and is built into solid rocket boosters (SRBs). | + | '''Solid fuel''' works alone and is built into solid rocket boosters (SRBs). In most solid fuel boosters, thrust cannot be controlled. Usually this isn't that big of a deal, as most solid fuel engines are boosters. However, they can be dangerous as debris. the general rule of thumb is to use these as boosters and as nothing more, and if you have to use it as something else, only decouple if the fuel is empty. you don't need a literal missile flying around in space. |
'''Monopropellant''' works alone, most often used in [[Reaction Control System]] thrusters. | '''Monopropellant''' works alone, most often used in [[Reaction Control System]] thrusters. | ||
'''Xenon gas''' is used by [[ion engine]]s, accelerated by electromagnetic forces, and requires [[electric current]] either stored in [[battery|batteries]] and/or drawn from generators or solar panels. | '''Xenon gas''' is used by [[ion engine]]s, accelerated by electromagnetic forces, and requires [[electric current]] either stored in [[battery|batteries]] and/or drawn from generators or solar panels. | ||
Latest revision as of 00:25, 17 October 2024
Fuel, also called propellant, is an expendable resource used by reaction engines to generate thrust. Some fuels require another resource for the engine using them to operate, and others operate alone. The Convert-O-Tron 125 or Convert-O-Tron 250 on a craft can be used to convert Ore that has been drilled to fuel, but there are no other ways to generate fuel [outdated]; its only source is tanks added to craft during construction in the Editor.
Types
The types of fuel are:
All fuels can be transferred between compatible types of fuel storage tanks except solid fuel, which is built into the same part as the engines which utilize it.
Liquid fuel is the most commonly used and must be combusted with a resource representing oxygen. For rocket engines it must be combined with onboard oxidizer in a 9:11 ratio of fuel to oxidizer. Fuel and oxidizer could be liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, as stated in the Convert-O-Tron 250's description when it says "This mobile processing plant can take raw materials containing even trace amounts of oxygen and hydrogen, and crack them into useful fuel products." For jet engines each unit of fuel must be combined with 11 units of intake air continuously collected inside an oxygen-rich atmosphere.
Solid fuel works alone and is built into solid rocket boosters (SRBs). In most solid fuel boosters, thrust cannot be controlled. Usually this isn't that big of a deal, as most solid fuel engines are boosters. However, they can be dangerous as debris. the general rule of thumb is to use these as boosters and as nothing more, and if you have to use it as something else, only decouple if the fuel is empty. you don't need a literal missile flying around in space.
Monopropellant works alone, most often used in Reaction Control System thrusters.
Xenon gas is used by ion engines, accelerated by electromagnetic forces, and requires electric current either stored in batteries and/or drawn from generators or solar panels.
