Efterförbränns

Efterförbränns is a Swedish term that translates to afterburning in English. It refers to the process of burning fuel in the exhaust stream of a jet engine or rocket engine. This secondary combustion significantly increases the thrust produced by the engine, but at the cost of greatly increased fuel consumption and higher exhaust temperatures.

The principle of afterburning involves injecting additional fuel into the hot exhaust gases leaving the main combustion chamber. When this fuel mixes with the remaining oxygen in the exhaust and ignites, it creates a secondary combustion event. This raises the temperature and velocity of the exhaust gases, thereby increasing the engine's overall thrust. Afterburning systems are typically controlled by the pilot and are used for short periods, such as during takeoff, combat maneuvers, or when needing maximum speed.

The increased thrust provided by afterburning can be substantial, often doubling or even tripling the engine's normal output. However, this performance comes with significant drawbacks. The fuel efficiency drops dramatically, meaning the aircraft or missile will have a much shorter range or endurance when afterburner is engaged. The high temperatures generated also place considerable stress on engine components and require specialized materials and cooling systems. Consequently, afterburning is a tactical advantage used sparingly due to its fuel penalty and operational demands.