Specific Impulse
In the context of aerospace engineering, Specific Impulse (often denoted as Isp) is a measure of the efficiency of rocket and jet engines. It represents the force with respect to the amount of propellant used per unit time. If the 'amount' of propellant is given by mass (kilogram, slug), then specific impulse has units of velocity. If it is given per unit weight (newton, pound), then specific impulse has units of time (seconds). The higher the specific impulse, the lower the propellant flow rate required for a given thrust, and in the case of a rocket, the less propellant is needed for a given delta-v, per the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation. Specific impulse is a key parameter in evaluating the performance of propulsion systems and plays a pivotal role in the design and operation of rockets and jet engines.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Regenerable Sorbents: Regenerable sorbents are materials used to remove and recover specific gases or vapors from a gas stream in space applications. These sorbents can be regenerated by heating or other means, allowing them to be reused multiple times. Regenera ... Read More >>
- Perigee (aka Periapsis Or Perifocus): Perigee is the point in the orbit of a celestial body (such as a planet, moon, or satellite) that is closest to the center of the body it orbits. It is also known as periapsis or perifocus. In the context of space and astronautical engineer ... Read More >>
- Spectrometer: A spectrometer is an instrument used to measure the properties of light over a specific portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, spectrometers are used to analyze the composition of cel ... Read More >>
Top News
Orionids meteor shower is this weekend: Where and when to watch its peak...
Orionids meteor shower is this weekend: Where and when to watch its peakgo.com...
News Source: ABC News on 2024-10-18
Acting or hosting, Travis Kelce wants to continue to pursue a showbiz career. Bu...
Travis Kelce is the host of “Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?”...
News Source: ABC News on 2024-10-09
Now is a great time to see Saturn in all its ringed glory...
My first sight of Saturn through a telescope inspired my love of space. Dig out your telescopes or visit your local astronomy club, and you may be lucky enough to spot our sixth planet's stunning thic...
News Source: New Scientist on 2024-10-09
Was Bruce Willis right? Could a nuclear blast save us from killer asteroid?...
Scientists simulated a nuclear explosion using x-ray pulses to push an asteroid-like rock away in space-like conditions....
News Source: Al Jazeera English on 2024-10-04
China's answer to SpaceX's Starlink is also threatening astronomy...
The first 18 satellites of a planned Chinese mega constellation are brighter than all but 500 stars in the sky, raising fears of a huge impact on astronomy...
News Source: New Scientist on 2024-10-03