AIRCRAFT PROPULSION Meaning and
Definition
-
Aircraft propulsion refers to the process by which an aircraft is propelled forward through the air. It involves the mechanisms and systems employed to generate the necessary thrust or force that counteracts the aerodynamic drag and allows the aircraft to move forward effectively. This essential aspect of aviation technology enables the aircraft to achieve and maintain flight.
There are various methods of aircraft propulsion, the most dominant being the use of engines. Engines are typically powered by different energy sources, such as combustion of fossil fuels or electrical energy, which are transformed into mechanical energy to produce thrust. The two main types of engines used in aircraft propulsion are jet engines and piston engines.
Jet engines rely on the principle of jet propulsion, where a high-speed jet of gases is ejected from the rear of the engine, creating an equal and opposite force that propels the aircraft forward. These engines are commonly found in most modern commercial airliners and military aircraft.
Piston engines, on the other hand, operate by converting the reciprocating motion of pistons into rotational energy, driving a propeller that generates thrust. This type of propulsion is typically seen in smaller general aviation aircraft.
As aircraft propulsion technology continues to advance, new propulsion systems, such as electric motors and hybrid systems, are emerging. These alternative propulsion methods aim to reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and noise levels while enhancing overall efficiency and sustainability in aviation.
In summary, aircraft propulsion encompasses the mechanisms and systems responsible for generating thrust to propel an aircraft forward, enabling it to achieve and maintain flight.
Etymology of AIRCRAFT PROPULSION
The word "propulsion" originally comes from the Latin word "propellere", which means "to drive or push forward". Over time, this Latin root passed into Old French as "propulser" and then into Middle English as "propulse".
The term "aircraft" emerged in the early 20th century with the advent of powered flight. It is a combination of the words "air" and "craft", ultimately derived from the Latin word "aer", meaning "air", and the Old English word "craeft", meaning "skill" or "power".
Therefore, the term "aircraft propulsion" refers to the propulsion or driving force applied to an aircraft to make it move forward through the air.
