Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II engine power?

In summary, calculating the power of an engine depends on its configuration and speed. The specification for the engine in question, the Pratt & Whitney F135, includes a dry thrust of 125 kN and is a hybrid engine without an output shaft. While internal combustion engines have power specified, this may not be applicable for engines without an output shaft. The force and shaft output power of an engine can be easily measured, but this may not be the most useful or relevant information. Calculating power based on the speed of the engine or the airflow volume, velocity, and pressure can also provide different results.
  • #1
koolinoor
4
0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PTW-9DeFs0

How can I calculate the power of the engine?

Specification:
Spec in Wikipedia

Dry thrust: 125 kN
 
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  • #2
There is no single answer; it depends on configuration and speed. You should read the wiki on the engine as a starting point to get some simple answers and refine your query.

One note: an engine without an output shaft doesn't make sense to rate by power. But this engine is a hybrid.
 
  • #3
How come internal combustion engines have power specified? And this one also, has Force specified, but no power. It doesn't make sense. I mean, I get the fact, that 99% of the chemical energy is probably just wasted, compared to more effective dynamics, but still.. Ford Mustang's engine's power is 157 kW either its going up or down the hill..

Even though it takes less Energy and uses less force to drive downhill.
So maybe that's the case, that the automotive industry have devalued the concept of physical Power?

Where do they get these numbers? And why is it so difficult to come up with one for this case?
 
  • #4
koolinoor said:
How come internal combustion engines have power specified?
A jet is internal combustion too, but I think you are referring to engines like car engines: they have an output shaft. They output mechanical work.
And this one also, has Force specified, but no power. It doesn't make sense. I mean, I get the fact, that 99% of the chemical energy is probably just wasted, compared to more effective dynamics, but still.. Ford Mustang's engine's power is 157 kW either its going up or down the hill..
What about when the Mustang is sitting still on the hill and revving the engine against the clutch to hold still?
Where do they get these numbers?
Force and shaft output power are easily measured.
And why is it so difficult to come up with one for this case?
It isn't that it is difficult, it is that it is not applicable.
 
  • #5
say F-35 weights 15 tons * 9,8 its ~ 147 kN..
more or less similar amount.
and the oxygen molecules potential energy is what forces the emission of gas from the turbofan to lift the plain.

then if the plane moves upward 1m/s, can You say, that the power is 147 kW?

its absurd, isn't it?
but say it wouldn't be an open system, but the gas is output to a barrel. what would be the power then?
is there any way of figuring that out?

If the shaft output power can be measured, why can't the turbofan output power be measured?
 
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  • #6
koolinoor said:
say F-35 weights 15 tons * 9,8 its ~ 147 kN..
more or less similar amount.
and the oxygen molecules potential energy is what forces the emission of gas from the turbofan to lift the plain.

then if the plane moves upward 1m/s, can You say, that the power is 147 kW?

its absurd, isn't it?
No, it isn't absurd. But it may not be terribly useful either. Again, consider the Mustang hovering on a hill with its clutch. What is the power output of the car? The engine? Does it matter?
but say it wouldn't be an open system, but the gas is output to a barrel. what would be the power then?
is there any way of figuring that out?
That would be another way, yes. If you knew the airflow volume, velocity and pressure you could figure out its power. But that answer will be different from one based on the speed of the plane. So which one do you think is more useful/relevant?

If the shaft output power can be measured, why can't the turbofan output power be measured?
It can be, it's just not necessarily all that useful.
 
  • #7
You are right, that info is not all that useful. But it would still be interesting to know, just to compare the sources of power. Even so that the dynamics of the applications are not comparable.
 

1. How powerful is the engine of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II?

The engine of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, which has a maximum thrust of 43,000 pounds.

2. What makes the engine of the F-35 Lightning II unique?

The engine of the F-35 Lightning II is a single-engine, dual-cycle engine, meaning it can switch between a higher thrust mode for takeoff and a more efficient mode for cruising. This allows for better fuel efficiency and longer range.

3. What type of fuel does the F-35 Lightning II engine use?

The F-35 Lightning II engine uses JP-8 fuel, which is a type of jet fuel commonly used by military aircraft.

4. How does the engine of the F-35 Lightning II contribute to its stealth capabilities?

The engine of the F-35 Lightning II is designed with stealth in mind, featuring a unique exhaust system that reduces heat and radar signature. It also has a low bypass ratio, making it harder to detect on radar.

5. Can the engine of the F-35 Lightning II be upgraded in the future?

Yes, the engine of the F-35 Lightning II is designed with growth in mind and can be upgraded with newer, more advanced technologies in the future to maintain its competitive edge.

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