The physics of rockets [pt. 2: Physics of rockets: Liquid-propellant rockets; pt. 3: Physics of rockets: Dynamics of long-range rockets]. 3 offprints

Seifert, Howard S.; Mills, Mark M. and Summerfield, Martin

Publication Date: 1947

About this Item

Seifert, Howard S.; Mills, Mark M. (1917-58) and Summerfield, Martin. The physics of rockets [pt. 2: Physics of rockets: Liquid-propellant rockets; pt. 3: Physics of rockets: Dynamics of long-range rockets]. 3 offprints from American Journal of Physics 15, no. 1 (Jan.-Feb. 1947); no. 2 (Mar.-Apr. 1947); no. 3 (May-June 1947). 1-21; 121-140; 255-272pp. Text illustrations. 267 x 199 mm. Original printed wrappers; boxed. Fine. From the library of Theodore von Kármán (1881-1963), with his characteristic docketing on the front wrappers; Presentation Inscription in Summerfield s hand to von Kármán, signed by all three authors, on the front wrapper of the first part: "To Dr. Theodore von Kármán In appreciation of your guidance and our long association. Martin Summerfield Mark Mills Howard S. Seifert." Dittoed typescript presentation slip stapled to front wrapper of the third part. First Separate Editions. The first comprehensive study of the physics rocketry published in the United States after World War II, written by three members of Caltech s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The three-part paper, published two years after the end of the war, reflects the advances in rocket science made available to the United States after the collapse of Nazi Germany, which during the war had developed the first long-range guided rockets (the V-1 and V-2) and used them as weapons in the last months of the conflict. The paper also discusses the work on liquid- and solid-propellant rocket systems done at Caltech s Jet Propulsion Laboratory under the guidance of the lab s director, Theodore von Kármán, to whom these offprints were presented. Topics covered here include the dynamics of rocket jets, the theory of solid-propellant operation, fundamental of liquid-propellant rocket motors, sounding rockets and escape from the earth, and rockets utilizing nuclear energy. This set of offprints is from the library of aeronautics pioneer Theodore von Kármán, who in addition to directing the JPL at Caltech was also the founder of the Aerojet Engineering Corporation, one of the industrial giants of the jet age. "At Caltech, Karman and his students laid the foundations for aerodynamic design leading to supersonic flight" (Dictionary of Scientific Biography). Ley, Rockets, Missiles and Space Travel (1951), p. 415. .

Seller Inventory # 43701

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The physics of rockets [pt. 2: Physics of rockets: Liquid-propellant rockets; pt. 3: Physics of rockets: Dynamics of long-range rockets]. 3 offprints
• Publication Date: 1947
• Binding: Soft cover
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)