Thrust - Thrust To Power

Thrust To Power

The power needed to generate thrust and the force of the thrust can be related in a non-linear way. In general, . The proportionality constant varies, and can be solved for a uniform flow:

Note that these calculations are only valid for when the incoming air is accelerated from a standstill - for example when hovering.

The inverse of the proportionality constant, the "efficiency" of an otherwise-perfect thruster, is proportional to the area of the cross section of the propelled volume of fluid and the density of the fluid . This helps to explain why moving through water is easier and why aircraft have much larger propellers than watercraft do.

Read more about this topic:  Thrust

Famous quotes containing the words thrust to, thrust and/or power:

    “Freedom of choice for women, at the expense of the caring, warmth, and sensitivity to others so often associated with them, may be empty. In the thrust to redefine male and female roles, women must not become men; nor can men be permitted the continual dehumanization of their roles.”
    —Kathleen Weibel (b. 1945)

    “The pessimist ... is seldom an agitating individual. His creed breeds indifference to others, and he does not trouble himself to thrust his views upon the unconvinced.”
    —Agnes Repplier (1858–1950)

    “You cannot have power for good without having power for evil too. Even mother’s milk nourishes murderers as well as heroes.”
    —George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950)