Merlin 1D may be too large to easily print using a metal 3d printer. I believe they rely on other techniques, like explosive forming.
While looking for Merlin data I came across this interesting little chalk talk by Tom Mueller on the Merlin 1C. Have your note pad ready, he gives numbers for the C model. I wonder how much they carry over to the D?http://www.livescribe.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/LDApp.woa/wa/MLSOverviewPage?sid=n7SMWV6PdG7rThe article where I found the link is here:http://blog.linuxacademy.com/space/under-the-hood-with-the-spacex-merlin-engine/ JMO but I expect the numbers carry over reasonably well to the D model, better than the numbers that we don't have on the Merlin D.
Ok, I searched. The article has been linked before but I didn't see anything about the fuel and LOX tank pressures or the turbo pump output pressures. Things I found interesting are:Tank pressure = 50 psi for both tanks,turbo pump output pressure, LOX 1400 psi, RP-1 1500 psigg combustion temperature 1033 deg. FCombustion chamber temperature 6000 deg. FMdot 350 lbm/sAnd the description of how the gas generator works.Yes, it was for the Merlin 1 C, but interesting anyway.
Does anyone (or everyone but me) know what the area ratio is for the Merlin 1 D Vac engine. That is the upper stage engine?
I did not see this posted here. I apologize if I missed it somewhere, but it's taken by Steve J last thursdayhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson/13160622333/in/photostream/
What are the things in the background (under and to the right)?
It's a display they have hanging up. I want to say it's a 1A due to the thrust structure and GG exhaust, but I could be wrong.
Quote from: JBF on 03/18/2014 11:30 amIt's a display they have hanging up. I want to say it's a 1A due to the thrust structure and GG exhaust, but I could be wrong.Its not a 1A. Its up there purely to look pretty - its an MVacC thrust structure, chamber, nozzle, and nozzle extension with M1C (ie boost phase) gas generator and exhaust, likely just made up of spares they no longer have a use for other than decoration.