What formula is used for calculating force or thrust?

The formula that accurately represents the calculation of thrust in the context of gas turbine engines is based on Newton's second law of motion, which states that the force applied to an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration. Specifically, thrust in jet propulsion can be interpreted through this principle, indicating that the thrust produced by a turbine engine is equal to the rate of change of momentum of the exhaust gases being expelled from the engine.

When applying this concept, thrust can be expressed as the product of the mass flow rate of the exhaust gases and the acceleration of that exhaust as it exits the engine. This makes it clear that the thrust generated is not just about the mass involved but also the acceleration imparted to that mass. By focusing on the mass of the air or fuel/air mixture moving through the engine and how quickly it is accelerated as it flows out, engineers can accurately predict the engine's performance.

In this context, the formula conveys that if the mass flow rate is high and the acceleration of the exhaust is significant, the resulting thrust will also be substantial, which is critical for effective propulsion in gas turbine engines.