The thrust coefficient (Ct) for an aerospike engine is a dimensionless parameter used to characterize and compare the thrust performance of the engine under different operating conditions and design parameters. Aerospike engines are a type of rocket engine known for their efficiency across a range of altitudes. The thrust coefficient is calculated using the following formula:
Ct = (T / (P * Ae))
Where:
- Ct is the thrust coefficient (dimensionless).
- T is the actual thrust produced by the aerospike engine in newtons (N).
- P is the dynamic pressure of the incoming air or exhaust gases at the engine inlet or nozzle exit in pascals (Pa).
- Ae is the engine exhaust area in square meters (m²).
The thrust coefficient allows for standardized comparisons of aerospike engine thrust performance across various operating conditions, design parameters, and applications. It quantifies how effectively the engine converts the incoming air’s kinetic energy into thrust.