| GETTING MORE THRUST | ||
Consider the case of increasing thrust by increasing propellant mass flow. To do this, the rocket must carry more propellant (mass), both fuel and oxidizer. Adding propellant also means tank sizes must be increased, which adds structure (mass) to the rocket. Even more thrust is now required for liftoff just to offset the higher weight of the propellant and structure. To achieve this higher thrust, the mass flow is again increased and the higher weight-higher thrust cycle repeats. As the rocket grows in size, this cycle can quickly reach a point of diminishing returns. So for some rocket applications, other means of increasing thrust may need to be investigated. |
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