työntöaineen

Työntöaineen refers to the propellant used in rocketry and other propulsion systems. It is the substance that, when expelled at high speed, generates thrust according to Newton's third law of motion. Propellants are typically composed of a fuel and an oxidizer, which react to produce hot, expanding gases. The choice of propellant is critical for the performance of a rocket, influencing factors such as specific impulse (a measure of efficiency) and thrust.

There are several categories of propellants. Liquid propellants consist of a fuel and oxidizer stored in separate tanks, which are then pumped into a combustion chamber where they mix and ignite. Common liquid propellants include kerosene and liquid oxygen, or liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Solid propellants, on the other hand, combine the fuel and oxidizer into a single solid mixture. Once ignited, they burn until depleted. Examples include gunpowder and composite propellants used in many solid rocket boosters.

Hybrid propellants use a combination of solid fuel and liquid or gaseous oxidizer. This design offers some advantages of both solid and liquid systems, such as simpler construction than liquid rockets and better throttleability than solid rockets. The study and development of propellants are ongoing, aiming to improve performance, reduce costs, and enhance safety.