How to Calculate Pressure Exerted by an Engine in a Vacuum?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the pressure exerted by an engine in a vacuum, the basic formula P=F/A applies, where pressure is determined by force divided by area. When considering dynamic pressure, it is important to account for the fluid's velocity, as dynamic pressure contributes to the total pressure experienced by the surface. The total pressure can be expressed as the sum of static pressure and dynamic pressure, represented by the equation P_total = P_hyd + P_stat + 1/2 * Rho * V^2, where V is the bulk velocity of the exhaust. Understanding both static and dynamic pressures is crucial for accurate calculations, especially in a vacuum environment like Mars. Accurate pressure calculations are essential for assessing the impact of an engine's exhaust on landing surfaces.
Space259
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Hello all,

How would I calculate the pressure exerted on a surface by an engine in a vacuum, for example, if a lander was landing on Mars, I'm trying to calculate the pressure exerted on the surface by the exhaust. Should I simply be looking at P=F/A or should I be looking at dynamic pressure?

Thanks in advance
 
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For pressure exerted on a surface by a moving fluid perpendicular to it, the static pressure is equal to the velocity pressure, and p=f/a applies.
 
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Hi Russ,

Thanks for your reply, so where does the dynamic pressure come into it? If you were to calculate the Dynamic Pressure what would you be calculating?
 
total pressure = P_hyd + P_stat + 1/2 * Rho * V^2
(V is bulk velocity)
 
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