Thrust Coefficient For an Aerospike Engine Calculator

An aerospike engine is a type of rocket engine that uses an aerodynamic structure, called an aerospike, to optimize performance across a range of altitudes. The thrust coefficient for an aerospike engine is a dimensionless parameter that characterizes the efficiency of the engine in converting propellant into thrust, considering the specific design features of the aerospike.

The thrust coefficient is defined as the ratio of the thrust force produced by the propulsion system to the dynamic pressure of the incoming air. Mathematically, it is expressed as:

where,

where:

• C_T​ is the thrust coefficient,
• $T$ is the thrust force,
• $\rho$ is the air density,
• $V$ is the airspeed,
• $A$ is the reference area.