Rocket engines work by expelling hot gas out of a nozzle, creating thrust that propels the rocket forward. Here's a breakdown:
1. Fuel & Oxidizer:
* Fuel: Provides the energy for the combustion process. Common examples include liquid hydrogen, kerosene, and solid propellants.
* Oxidizer: Supplies the oxygen necessary for the fuel to burn. Common examples include liquid oxygen and nitric acid.
2. Combustion Chamber:
* Fuel and oxidizer are injected into the combustion chamber, where they mix and burn at extremely high temperatures (thousands of degrees Celsius).
3. Expansion & Thrust:
* The burning creates a high-pressure gas that expands rapidly.
* This expanding gas is directed out of a specially shaped nozzle, accelerating the gas and generating thrust.
4. Newton's Third Law:
* The key principle behind rocket engines is Newton's Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
* The rocket expels hot gas downwards, creating an upward force (thrust) that propels the rocket forward.
Types of Rocket Engines:
* Liquid-propellant engines: Use liquid fuels and oxidizers, offering high thrust and control.
* Solid-propellant engines: Use solid fuels and oxidizers, providing simpler design but less control.
* Hybrid engines: Combine liquid and solid propellants, offering a balance of advantages.
Key Features:
* Nozzle: Shapes the expanding gas flow for maximum thrust.
* Thrust Chamber: Contains the combustion process.
* Fuel and Oxidizer Tanks: Store the propellants.
* Turbomachinery: (In some engines) Pumps propellants and provides additional thrust.
Summary:
Rocket engines work by burning fuel and oxidizer to create hot gas. This gas is expelled through a nozzle, creating thrust that pushes the rocket forward. The principle is based on Newton's Third Law, where action (expelling gas) results in an equal and opposite reaction (rocket moving forward).
Note: This is a simplified explanation. Rocket engines are incredibly complex systems with various designs and technologies.
