1.8M views · Jul 3, 2019 · 1:51:13 · 3 HN recommenders · 3 mentions · discussed 2019–2022
A very long, detailed look at the A4/V2 rocket turbopump, the steam-turbine-driven twin propellant pump system. It covers the peroxide and permanganate catalysis that drives the turbine. This is part 1 of a series on V2 components.
Why Hacker News points people here: HN commenters recommend the series for its in-depth, hands-on explanation of how V2 turbopumps and peroxide decomposition work.
“this series of videos is definitely worth watching”HN comment, 2022
“this series of videos is definitely worth watching”
Series detailing V2 parts, this one on the turbopump
If that interests you then this series of videos is definitely worth watching. It details several parts of the German V2 missile, the grand father of all modern liquid propellant rockets. This one is about the turbopump which is one of the most interesting parts. this video
“For an in-depth and interesting explanation of how that works, I enjoyed this video”
In-depth V2 turbopump explanation with peroxide permanganate demo
For an in-depth and interesting explanation of how that works, I enjoyed this video: this video Includes a demonstration of the potassium permanganate and hydrogen peroxide at around the 52 minute mark.
“Here's a pretty good 2.5 hour long documentary about the V2 turbopumps specifically”
Long documentary on V2 turbopumps and peroxide catalysis
The German V2 rockets also used hydrogen peroxide and a catalyst (sodium or possibly potassium permanganate) to drive their turbopumps (which pumped LOx and alcohol into the engine.) Here's a pretty good 2.5 hour long documentary about the V2 turbopumps specifically: this video (The H2O2/catalyst system is discussed/demonstrated around the 45 minute mark.)
