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submitted 2 years ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

WE know the original full-size bell is made from a very expensive niobium alloy, for heat resistance. But I notice that the new bell hardly glows at all - just very faintly at the extreme outer edge. The film cooling provided by the turbopump exhaust protects it completely.

So, I am wondering - are they still using that expensive niobium for the stubby nozzle? From what I can see of the bell, they could use simple mild steel and be perfectly OK.

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[-] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Full-size engine bells also barely light up at the top, so it might be the same material but shorter.

this post was submitted on 16 Jun 2023
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