The thrust force of an aircraft can be defined as the forward force generated by its propulsion system, which is responsible for propelling the aircraft through the air. The thrust force is a critical component for overcoming aerodynamic drag and enabling the aircraft to achieve and maintain controlled flight.
The thrust equation using control volume analysis is a way to express the relationship between the various factors influencing thrust. In the context of control volume analysis, a control volume is an arbitrary region in space through which air flows, and the analysis involves studying the mass and energy flowing in and out of that volume.
The thrust equation for a turbojet engine using control volume analysis is expressed as:
where,
- is the thrust force,
- ṁe is the mass flow rate of exhaust gases in kilograms per second (kg/s).
- is the Exhaust velocity at the nozzle exit in meters per second (m/s).
- ṁ0 is the mass flow rate of inlet gases in kilograms per second (kg/s).
- is the Exhaust velocity at the nozzle Inlet in meters per second (m/s).
- is the Pressure at the nozzle exit in pascals (Pa).
- is the Pressure at the nozzle inlet in pascals (Pa).
- is the Area of the nozzle exit in square meters (m²).