Pohonné

Pohonné is a term derived from the Czech language, generally translating to "propellant" or "fuel" in English. It refers to a substance or mixture that, when burned or otherwise reacted, produces a large volume of hot gas. This rapid expansion of gas is the driving force behind many applications, most notably in rocketry and firearms.

In the context of rocketry, pohonné typically describes the chemical compounds that undergo combustion within a rocket engine. These propellants are usually a combination of fuel and oxidizer. The fuel is the substance that burns, while the oxidizer provides the oxygen necessary for combustion, especially in the vacuum of space where atmospheric oxygen is unavailable. Common examples include liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, or solid mixtures containing ammonium perchlorate and aluminum powder.

For firearms, pohonné refers to the gunpowder or other explosive charge located in the cartridge case. When ignited, this substance burns rapidly, generating gases that propel the bullet down the barrel. The controlled explosion within the confined space of the firearm is what imparts kinetic energy to the projectile.

The term pohonné is specific to certain Slavic languages and highlights the functional aspect of these substances: their ability to provide motive force through rapid gas generation. The design and composition of pohonné are critical for the performance and safety of the systems in which they are employed.