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Jet Thrust Force.

 

 

Thrust Force Fjet = q* Ve + ( Pe-Pa)*Se      N

 

Where (q) is mass flow rate leaving the nozzle in Kgs/sec

Ve Is the jet stream velocity m/s

Pe Is the pressure of the fluid stream as it leaves the nozzle N/m2

Pa Is the atmospheric pressure outside the nozzle into which the jet stream passes. N/m2

Se Nozzle matching parameter.

 

Note : V2 Is the actual velocity of the rocket m/s

Due to the ‘Tsiolkovski’ factor V2 can be greater than Ve.

Looking at the formula for determining the jet thrust force that propels the rocket.

We can say that Fjet is directly proportional too: q and Ve

Note: The example of a rocket engine comprising of a combustion chamber leading to a compression expansion nozzle can also be extended to explain the pressurised bottle and outlet nozzle used for a water rocket

Conclusions:

To increase the jet thrust force Fjet to a maximum:

  • (q) The jet stream mass flow rate needs to be increased to a maximum. For a maximum flight time after launch

  • Ve  Consequently the jet stream velocity needs to be accelerated to it maximum ; for a maximum flight time after launch.

  • Fjet Is at a maximum when the above conditions are met and Pe > Pa for the duration of the jet stream Tjet. That the parameter ( Pe-Pa)*Se is always positive. This depends on ideal fluid flow dynamics through the nozzle for the period Tjet.

  • [V2] Ve will increase the rocket velocity and the associated drag force trying to hold the rocket back.

                         Fd = 0,5(de)(Cd)A(V2+Vair) 2 N

  • Improving the aerodynamic shape and form . Reducing the value of Cd. If the nose cone resembles the shape of a brick then there is a considerable resistance created as the rocket punches its way through the atmosphere.

 

Once the fliud has past the nozzle throat the coefficient for the divergent part of the nozzle (Cf) smooths the transition of Pe>Pa reducing turbulent flow.

  • Cf  for divergent expansion nozzle coef. can vary between1.6>2.0

F= Pe*At*Cf        N

 

Where : Pe is pressure of fluid jet at the nozzle. N/m2

(At) is the area of the nozzle throat m2

 

The change of Pa with increasing altitude can have a significant affect on the nozzle efficiency of large full size rockets. Due to the requirement of keeping a balanced ratio between Pe and Pa. Needed to keep the nozzle efficiency of the rocket engine at an optimum 'Design Point'.

As the rocket  passes through the Earth's atmosphere and into space.

What is important to observe from this graph is the progressive reduction in atmospheric pressure up to an altitude of 50 kms.

 

It is for this reason that the rocket jet plume cone angle for a fixed geometry divergent nozzle progressively changes  as the rocket passes through the atmosphere.. Combined with the increase in rocket velocity and the reducing density of the atmosphere as the rocket climbs the plume exhaust cone angle leaving the nozzle increases. This can be seen after the first stage separation as the main stage takes over and accelerates through the reduced pressure of the upper atmosphere.

A wonderful example of this can be seen in the Soyuz launch video found on the attached link.

 

So to match the nozzle geometry to the environment and maintain optimum efficiency. The nozzle ideally needs to be variable.

One way of doing this is to use multiple stages with a different divergent nozzle design profile for each which is more adapted to operate at that altitude.

 

Another way of addressing this problem is by using a 'plug nozzle' or 'aero spike' jet nozzle by using the quality of the airflow over the external nozzle to provide the outer duct.

These types of jet allow for a variable geometry expansion nozzle. Provided by the external accelerated air flow over the surface of the projectile.

 

Note: The difference between normal temperature 0C and degrees absolute 0K is 273.

         So to obtain temperatures in 0C subtract 273 from 0K values.

         Graph courtesy Cambridge University.

 

 

New Jet thrust force derivation Water Rocket Explorer PDF

Summary Formula summary sheet for propulsion force, momentum and Tsiolkovski derivation PDF

http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/propul/XRS2200.html

http://www.aerospaceweb.org/design/aerospike/

http://www.videocorner.tv/videocorner/archivesA5/video.asx.php?langue=en&flight=167&debit=high&clip=&archive=

 

 

Soyuz 'parasol' jet stream  plume at high altitude

Courtesy Boeing Aerospace

 

Understanding rocket propulsion

http://www.braeunig.us/space/propuls.htm#intro

 

 

Shuttle main engine on test. Jet expansion Mach discs

 

Dsc01480.jpg (62220 bytes)

A simple experiment to get a feeling for creating a jet 

 

  •  Take a syringe fill it with water and expel the water using different piston speeds.(Holding the cylinder vertical.)

  • Then half fill the syringe with water charging the rest of the volume with air by pulling the piston to the top then depress the piston as fast as you can to expel the water /air charge.

 


 

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This site was created on the 15th April 2003

 ©John Gwynn and sons2003 

You're welcome to reproduce any material on this site for educational or other non commercial purposes

 as long as you give us proper credit (by referring to "The Water-Rocket Explorer" http://waterocket.explorer.free.fr).