Computing ISP

Computing ISP

Computing ISP from Actual Engine Performance:

ISP = (Thrust * Time) / Weight_Propellant

Where:

ISP = Specific Impulse of the Propellant/Engine System

Thrust = Thrust of the engine

Time = Length of time the engine operates in seconds

Weight_Propellant = Amount of propellant consumed by the engine during it's operation

Note: All units must be internally consistent; e.g. if you use pounds of thrust, you must also measure propellant consumption in pounds.

EXAMPLE: We have a solid rocket motor which burns for 15 seconds, producing 24,000 lbs of thrust; consuming 1,400 lbs of propellant in the process.

(24,000 * 15) / 1,400 = 257.14 ISP

Computing ISP from Exhaust Velocity:

ISP = Ev / 9.81 m/sec2 (Metric)

ISP = Ev / 32.2 ft/sec2 (Standard)

Where:

ISP = Specific Impulse

Ev = Exhaust Velocity (m/sec or feet/sec)

EXAMPLE: We have an engine that has an exhaust velocity of 8,093 meters per second. What is it's ISP?

8,093 / 9.81 = 824.97 ISP