How Does Thrust Force Function in Propulsion?

AI Thread Summary
Thrust force is defined by Newton's third law, where expelling mass, such as exhaust from a rocket nozzle, generates an equal and opposite force that propels the vehicle forward. It is essential for overcoming drag, which is the backward force that slows down motion, while lift is the crosswise force that keeps an aircraft airborne. Understanding thrust can be enhanced by observing jet engines in action during takeoff. Calculating thrust involves specific equations, and while Wikipedia can be a useful resource for formulas, users should verify the information for accuracy. Overall, thrust is a critical component of propulsion in both aerospace and aerodynamics.
raw_653
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What is thrust??

can someone please give me a brief explanation about the thrust force?
 
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In short, it is Newton's third law. If you expel mass from, say, a rocket nozzle, the exhaust has a certain momentum. The rocket feels a force that is equal and opposite this.
 
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Thrust is the forward force that impels you to go faster or to keep going in the intended direction. Thrust is usually desireable.

Drag is the backward force that slows you down. Drag is usually undesireable.

If you are talking aerodynamics then lift is the crosswise force that keeps you in the air. Lift is usually desireable.

You need thrust to offset drag so that you can have motion and lift.
 


sorry for the late reply and thanks for your answers
 


raw 653, Just book a commercial flight on a jetliner, and get yourself a window seat just behind the wing. This gives you a great view of the nozzles of the jet engines. You can imagine the "thrust" of the exhaust gasses during takeoff, for example. I promise you that you will understand (and feel) what is "thrust".
 


i`ll try to do that next time :)
 


how about calculating the Thrust force? how can you do it and what are the equations used?
 


Google is our friend, and Wiki is, well, an extremely important and valuable encyclopedia that you find using Google. You should become intimate (yes, intimate)with both of them. One caution: sometimes Wiki has mistaken/wrong information: use it with care and verify everything you read there.

This Wiki page has all the formulas for calculating the thrust force:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrust

Cheers,
Bobbywhy
 
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