1. Air Intake: Air is drawn into the engine through the front intake, compressed, and mixed with fuel.
2. Combustion: The compressed air and fuel mixture is ignited in the combustion chamber, producing hot, expanding gases.
3. Expansion and Thrust: These expanding gases are accelerated through a narrow nozzle, generating thrust that propels the aircraft forward.
Key Points:
* External Air Source: Unlike rocket engines which carry their own oxidizer (usually liquid oxygen), jet engines rely on the oxygen present in the air we breathe.
* Continuous Air Flow: The engine continuously draws in fresh air for combustion, ensuring a continuous supply of oxygen.
In contrast to a rocket engine, which relies on a closed system with its own oxidizer, jet engines utilize the readily available oxygen in the atmosphere, making them "air-breathing."
