A gas turbine engine produces thrust primarily through the change in momentum of the exhaust fluid, calculated using mass flow and velocity differences. The thrust is transferred to the engine mounts via pressure acting on the engine components, with the compressor being the main contributor to forward thrust while other components, like the combustion chamber and turbine, act as dragging elements. The nozzle plays a crucial role in increasing exhaust velocity, thereby enhancing thrust, and afterburners further increase thrust by adding fuel to the exhaust, raising jet velocity. Understanding the force distribution among engine parts is complex, as the total axial forces on compressors and turbines are significantly larger than the net thrust. Overall, the thrust generation process is intricate, involving both aerodynamic forces and pressure interactions within the engine structure.
