The rocket thrust equation is derived from Newton's third law of motion, which states that for
every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the case of a rocket, the "action" is the
expulsion of exhaust gases out of the rocket's engines, and the "reaction" is the rocket moving in
the opposite direction (upward).
The basic thrust equation for a rocket can be written as:
F=m˙veF = \dot{m} v_eF=m˙ve
Where:
• FFF is the thrust (force) produced by the rocket (in newtons, N),
• m˙\dot{m}m˙ is the mass flow rate of the exhaust gases (in kilograms per second, kg/s),
• vev_eve is the exhaust velocity (in meters per second, m/s), or the velocity at which the
exhaust gases leave the engine.
Extended Rocket Thrust Equation
The thrust equation can be extended to account for varying parameters such as changing mass,
pressure, and nozzle characteristics. Here’s the extended form of the rocket thrust equation:
F=m˙ve+(Pe−P0)AeF = \dot{m} v_e + (P_e - P_0) A_eF=m˙ve+(Pe−P0)Ae
Where:
• PeP_ePe is the pressure of the exhaust gases at the nozzle exit (in pascals, Pa),
• P0P_0P0 is the ambient (atmospheric) pressure (in pascals, Pa),
• AeA_eAe is the cross-sectional area of the nozzle exit (in square meters, m²).
Explanation of Extended Terms:
1. m˙ve\dot{m} v_em˙ve (Momentum Thrust): This is the primary component of thrust
and is associated with the acceleration of the exhaust gases through the rocket nozzle.
This term represents the change in momentum of the exhaust gases as they are expelled
from the engine.
2. (Pe−P0)Ae(P_e - P_0) A_e(Pe−P0)Ae (Pressure Thrust): This term accounts for the
pressure difference between the exhaust gas pressure at the nozzle exit and the
atmospheric pressure. When the exhaust gases exit the nozzle, the pressure difference
creates a force that acts on the nozzle exit area, contributing to the total thrust. If the
exhaust pressure is higher than the ambient pressure, the thrust increases. If the exhaust
pressure is lower, there’s a loss of thrust efficiency.
Detailed Breakdown of Parameters:
• m˙\dot{m}m˙ (Mass Flow Rate): This is the rate at which mass is expelled from the
rocket’s engine. It can vary depending on the type of engine and the fuel being used.
Typically, a rocket with a higher mass flow rate will produce more thrust.
• vev_eve (Exhaust Velocity): The velocity of the exhaust gases as they are expelled from
the nozzle. This is a crucial parameter as it directly impacts the efficiency and the
amount of thrust. A higher exhaust velocity results in a higher thrust, assuming the same
mass flow rate. The exhaust velocity is typically determined by the specific impulse
(IspI_{sp}Isp) of the engine:
ve=Isp⋅g0v_e = I_{sp} \cdot g_0ve=Isp⋅g0
Where:
o IspI_{sp}Isp is the specific impulse (in seconds, s),
o g0g_0g0 is the standard acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²).
• PeP_ePe and P0P_0P0 (Exit and Ambient Pressure): The difference in pressures
between the exhaust at the nozzle exit and the ambient pressure can lead to thrust or
thrust losses. The design of the nozzle plays a significant role in optimizing this pressure
difference for maximum thrust efficiency.
• AeA_eAe (Nozzle Exit Area): This is the cross-sectional area of the rocket’s nozzle exit. A
larger nozzle exit area can increase the thrust if the pressure difference is significant. It is
closely related to the nozzle design and expansion ratio.
Specific Impulse and Efficiency
Specific impulse (IspI_{sp}Isp) is a measure of the efficiency of a rocket engine. It is defined as
the thrust produced per unit of fuel consumed per unit of time:
Isp=Fm˙g0I_{sp} = \frac{F}{\dot{m} g_0}Isp=m˙g0F
Where:
• IspI_{sp}Isp is the specific impulse (in seconds, s),
• FFF is the thrust (in newtons, N),
• m˙\dot{m}m˙ is the mass flow rate (in kilograms per second, kg/s),
• g0g_0g0 is the standard gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²).
For a given rocket engine, the specific impulse can vary depending on factors like the fuel type
and the exhaust velocity. Higher specific impulse means higher efficiency, meaning more thrust
can be produced for a given amount of fuel.
Rocket Thrust with Varying Mass
As a rocket ascends, its mass decreases because fuel is expended. The change in mass over
time can be represented by the following relationship:
dmdt=−m˙\frac{d m}{dt} = -\dot{m}dtdm=−m˙
Where:
• dmdt\frac{d m}{dt}dtdm is the rate of change of mass over time,
• m˙\dot{m}m˙ is the mass flow rate (positive, but negative in the equation since mass is
being lost).
As mass decreases, the rocket’s acceleration will increase if the thrust remains constant. This is
a result of the reduced inertia of the rocket as fuel is consumed.
Conclusion
The extended rocket thrust equation accounts for the fundamental principles of momentum and
pressure thrust. By including the effect of the exhaust velocity and pressure difference between
the exhaust and ambient conditions, the equation provides a more comprehensive
understanding of how thrust is generated and how various factors, including nozzle design,
ambient pressure, and fuel type, affect rocket performance. Understanding this equation is
crucial in designing efficient rocket propulsion systems.
