| SPECIFIC IMPULSE | ||
With so many factors affecting the amount of thrust generated, it is helpful to have a "rating system" to compare the effectiveness of different propulsion methods. Specific impulse is a method of evaluating the energy of combustion of various propellants. A simple analogy would be the miles per gallon you use for your car to compare different brands of gas. Specific impulse addresses only the momentum thrust portion of the thrust equation. The pressure thrust portion is a function of the ambient pressure and nozzle design--not a function of the propellant. |
|
|
| 36 of 41 | ||