Jet Engine Question Homework: Find Thrust w/ 100% Efficiency

In summary, the main difference between a jet engine and a rocket engine is that a rocket carries its own oxidizer while a jet engine takes in air from the atmosphere. The thrust for a jet engine can be calculated by finding the mass of air intake and the difference in velocity between the exhaust and the free stream.
  • #1
didinyc
3
0

Homework Statement



The major difference between a jet engine and a rocket engine is that a rocket carries its
own oxidizer, usually in the form of liquid oxygen (LOX). A jet takes in air from the
atmosphere as it moves, uses it to burn the fuel, and then ejects all the gases out the
back.
At a certain instant, a jet engine is moving 210 m/s. The engine takes in air at a rate of 74.2
kg/s, combines it with 3.20 kg/s of fuel, and ejects the products of combustion at constant
speed 502 m/s relative to the jet. Assuming 100% efficiency: find the numerical value of the
thrust of this engine.
HINT: For a rocket engine: Thrust rel= v(relative)* (dm/dt)

How must this expression be modified for a jet
engine?



The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to read the book to solve it but cannot start anything if i get an idea of how to start, I will try to solve it! Thanks for the help!
 
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  • #2
Thrust is a force and Force = mass x acceleration. The amount of burnt fuel gas in the air flowing through an engine is so small as to be negligible and is not included in calculations for thrust. Thus it is the mass of cold air in (which must come out) times the increase in velocity, viz: Thrust = mass(air) times (V-exhaust minus V free stream)+(Pressure of ambient air minus presure exhaust air) times area of exhaust nozzle

The overall point relating to your question is that the amount of burnt fuel gas in a straight rocket exhaust is considerable compared to that in an air breathing jet engine.
 

Related to Jet Engine Question Homework: Find Thrust w/ 100% Efficiency

1. How does a jet engine produce thrust?

A jet engine produces thrust by taking in air through the front of the engine, compressing it, adding fuel, and igniting the fuel-air mixture to create hot, high-pressure gas. This gas is then forced out of the back of the engine, creating thrust that propels the jet forward.

2. What is meant by 100% efficiency in a jet engine?

In a jet engine, 100% efficiency means that all of the energy produced by the fuel is converted into thrust. This is an ideal scenario that is difficult to achieve in real life due to various factors such as air resistance and energy losses in the engine.

3. How does the efficiency of a jet engine affect its performance?

The efficiency of a jet engine directly affects its performance. A more efficient engine can produce more thrust with the same amount of fuel, allowing the jet to travel faster and/or farther. It also means that the engine will have a longer range and require less frequent refueling.

4. What factors affect the efficiency of a jet engine?

There are several factors that can affect the efficiency of a jet engine, including the design and size of the engine, the amount and type of fuel used, the air temperature and pressure, and the speed and altitude at which the jet is flying. Proper maintenance and use of advanced technologies can also improve the efficiency of a jet engine.

5. How is the thrust of a jet engine calculated at 100% efficiency?

The thrust of a jet engine at 100% efficiency can be calculated using the basic principle of Newton's Second Law of Motion, which states that force equals mass times acceleration. In this case, the mass is the flow rate of air and fuel through the engine, and the acceleration is the difference in velocity between the air entering and exiting the engine. The resulting force is the thrust of the engine.

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