Rocket Propulsion: Principles, Parameters &
Performance
• Detailed Overview for Aerospace Engineering
• Includes thrust equation, engine parameters,
nozzles, Isp, internal ballistics, performance
considerations.
Contents
• 1. Thrust Equation
• 2. Rocket Engine Parameters
• 3. Rocket Engine Nozzles Operating Principle
• 4. Specific Impulse
• 5. Internal Ballistics
• 6. Performance Considerations
Thrust - Introduction
• Force produced by expelling mass at high
velocity
• Based on Newton’s 2nd & 3rd Laws
• Works in vacuum or atmosphere
Thrust Equation
• F = ṁ Ve + (Pe - Pa) Ae
• ṁ = mass flow rate (kg/s)
• Ve = exhaust velocity (m/s)
• Pe = exhaust pressure (Pa)
• Pa = ambient pressure (Pa)
• Ae = nozzle exit area (m²)
Key Notes on Thrust
• Momentum Thrust: ṁ Ve
• Pressure Thrust: (Pe - Pa) Ae
• Optimal thrust when Pe ≈ Pa
• Affected by altitude (Pa changes)
Rocket Engine Parameters
• Chamber Pressure (Pc)
• Thrust Coefficient (Cf)
• Propellant mass flow rate
• Expansion Ratio (Ae / At)
• Combustion Efficiency
• Specific Impulse (Isp)
Equations & Relationships
• Thrust Coefficient: Cf = F / (Pc At)
• Relates to expansion ratio and pressure ratio
• Ideal gas expansion laws apply
Nozzle Basics
• Converts thermal energy to kinetic energy
• Types: Converging-diverging (de Laval),
aerospike, plug
• Works on gas expansion principles
Nozzle Operation
• Converging: accelerates subsonic flow
• Throat: Mach 1
• Diverging: accelerates supersonic flow
• Pressure and temperature drop in diverging
section
Nozzle Performance
• Overexpanded: Pe < Pa (possible flow
separation)
• Underexpanded: Pe > Pa
• Optimal: Pe ≈ Pa
Specific Impulse
• Isp = F / (ṁ g0)
• Units: seconds
• Higher Isp = better efficiency
Factors Affecting Isp
• Propellant type
• Chamber temperature
• Molecular mass of exhaust gases
• Nozzle efficiency
Internal Ballistics
• Study of combustion and gas flow before exit
• Covers ignition, burn rate, pressure-time
history
• Affects stability and performance
Burn Rate Law
• r = a Pc^n
• Grain geometry affects surface area
• Pressure stability important
Performance Factors
• Thrust-to-weight ratio
• Propellant efficiency
• Thermal limits
• Altitude effects
• Structural mass fraction
Optimization
• Match nozzle expansion ratio to mission
altitude
• Balance Isp and thrust
• Use staging for higher ΔV
Summary
• Thrust equation links exhaust velocity &
pressure difference
• Parameters like Isp, Pc, Cf define performance
• Nozzle design critical for efficiency
• Internal ballistics affect stability
• Optimization is multi-variable
