Rocket Engines

Technology Roadmap Sections and Deliverables

Figures of Merit

Tsiolkovsky Rocket Equation (m/s)

Δv = ve*ln(m0/mf) ve = effective exhaust velocity m0 = initial total mass including fuel and oxidizer mf = final mass without fuel and oxidizer

Specific Impulse (s)

Isp = ve/g0 ve = average exhaust speed along the axis of the engine (either at sea level or vacuum) g0 = standard gravity in m/s2

Net Thrust (N)

Fn = M*Ve M = exhaust gas mass flow Ve = effective exhaust velocity

Thrust-to-weight ratio (N/kg)

TTW = Net Thrust (N)/m (kg)

       m = dry mass of the engine