Exhaust Velocity Calculation

In summary, the exhaust velocity of a rocket using Nitrogen Tetroxide and Aerozine 50 as its propelants can be calculated using the given formula and data. The calculated exhaust velocity is 2,484.5799 meters per second at an absolute temperature of 3110 Kelvin, a universal gas law constant of 8314.5 J/(kmol·K), a gas molecular mass of 20.24 kg/kmol, an isentropic expansion factor of 1.2314, an absolute pressure of 1 atm for the exhaust gas at nozzle exit, and an absolute pressure of 25 atm for the inlet gas. This data was obtained from various sources and the equation is correct, but the numerical
  • #1
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Please check my calculations for the exhaust velocity of a rocket that uses Nitrogen Tetroxide (N2H4) & Aerozine 50 as its propelants. This is the formula that I'm using to find out the exhaust velocity:

##
V_e = \sqrt{{\frac{T*R}{M}}*{\frac{2*k}{k-1}}*[1-(P_e/P)^(^k^-^1^)^/^k] }
##

Ve = Exhaust velocity at nozzle exit, m/s
T = absolute temperature of inlet gas, K
R = Universal gas law constant = 8314.5 J/(kmol·K)
M = the gas molecular mass, kg/kmol (also known as the molecular weight)
k = cp / cv = isentropic expansion factor
cp = specific heat of the gas at constant pressure
cv = specific heat of the gas at constant volume
Pe = absolute pressure of exhaust gas at nozzle exit, Pa
P = absolute pressure of inlet gas, Pa

T = 3110 Kelvin
R = 8314.5
M = 20.24
k = 1.2314
Pe = Pa = 1 atm
P = 25 atm

[tex]
V_e = \sqrt{1,277,573.864 * 10.643 * 0.454}[/tex]

[tex]
V_e = \sqrt{6,173,137.26}
[/tex]

Ve = 2,484.5799 meters per second

Are this calculations correct or did I make a mistake? I got the equation and most of the data from these two sites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_engine_nozzles, http://www.braeunig.us/space/problem.htm#1.10, and http://www.braeunig.us/space/comb-NA.htm.
 
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  • #2
In spite of the obtuseness of the presented equation the equation is correct; but, I haven't verified the numerical result.
 

1. What is exhaust velocity and why is it important in rocket propulsion?

Exhaust velocity is the speed at which the gases are expelled from a rocket engine. This is important because it determines the thrust produced by the engine, which is necessary for the rocket to overcome the force of gravity and achieve flight.

2. How is exhaust velocity calculated?

Exhaust velocity is calculated using the specific impulse (Isp) of the rocket engine and the acceleration due to gravity (g) at the launch site. The formula is Ve = Isp * g.

3. What is specific impulse and how does it relate to exhaust velocity?

Specific impulse is a measure of efficiency for rocket engines. It is the amount of thrust produced by a unit of propellant mass consumed per unit of time. Higher specific impulse means higher exhaust velocity, which results in greater thrust and more efficient use of propellant.

4. Are there any other factors that affect exhaust velocity?

Yes, the type of propellant used, the design and construction of the rocket engine, and the ambient pressure and temperature can all impact the exhaust velocity. Additionally, the velocity may change during the course of the rocket's flight due to factors such as burnout of the propellant.

5. How does exhaust velocity affect the performance of a rocket?

Exhaust velocity directly affects the thrust and efficiency of a rocket engine. Higher exhaust velocity means greater thrust, which allows the rocket to achieve higher speeds and altitudes. It also allows for more efficient use of propellant, which can result in longer flight times and greater payload capacity.

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