Engine thrust in aircraft design represents the force produced by an aircraft’s engines to propel it forward or provide the necessary lift for takeoff. It’s a fundamental parameter in aviation. The formula for engine thrust is quite straightforward:
Thrust (T) is equal to the rate of change of momentum of the air flowing through the engine.
- Mass Flow Rate (ṁ): This is the rate at which air (or other propellant) passes through the engine. It is typically measured in kilograms per second (kg/s).
- Exhaust Velocity (Ve): This represents the speed at which the exhaust gases exit the engine relative to the engine itself. It is typically measured in meters per second (m/s).