Fuel velocity vs exhaust velocity difference?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between fuel velocity and exhaust velocity in rocket propulsion. Fuel velocity (vfuel) is defined as the rocket's velocity minus the exhaust velocity (vex). Exhaust velocity is constant due to the fixed power output of the rocket engine. Understanding these definitions is crucial for analyzing rocket performance and propulsion dynamics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of rocket propulsion principles
  • Familiarity with velocity concepts in physics
  • Knowledge of the relationship between power and exhaust velocity in rocket engines
  • Understanding of relative motion in the context of Earth and rocket systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of rocket propulsion dynamics
  • Learn about the equations governing rocket motion, including the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation
  • Explore the impact of exhaust velocity on rocket efficiency and performance
  • Study the relationship between fuel consumption and thrust generation in rocket engines
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in the mechanics of rocket propulsion will benefit from this discussion.

liddojoe
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hi all,

i've been confused about what the difference is between fuel velocity and exhaust velocity. apparently, fuel velocity is equal to rocket velocity minus exhaust velocity. attached are screenshots of the textbook reading that confused me. if anyone can explain this section to me, i would greatly appreciate it!

thanks!
joe
 

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hi joe! welcome to pf! :smile:
liddojoe said:
i've been confused about what the difference is between fuel velocity and exhaust velocity. apparently, fuel velocity is equal to rocket velocity minus exhaust velocity.

fuel velocity, vfuel, is the velocity of the fuel (relative to earth)

exhaust velocity, vex, is the velocity of the fuel relative to the rocket

vex is constant (because the rocket engine has constant power) :wink:
 

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