Why Do Rocket Engines Have Nozzles?
Nozzle design is the most important factor in the generation of rocket thrust and overall rocket engine performance. As opposed to jet engines that use the oxygen in air to oxidize fuel, rocket engines carry their own oxidizer aboard the vehicle, usually in the form of liquid oxygen in liquid fuel engines, and solid oxidizer such as ammonium perchlorate in solid fuel rocket engines. This added weight makes it imperative that every last bit of thrust is extracted from the rocket engine during its relatively short run.
Related Questions
- Are there emissions data or emissions estimates regarding testing jet and rocket engines on ground-level test stands at the Pratt & Whitney facility?
- The SRBs (Solid Rocket Boosters) cannot be shut down, does that make it less safe than using liquid rocket engines?
- Why does the Lynx use liguid propellant rocket engines?
