*** Posted by Chris Gilliland ***
Question about jet engine mechanics. The term "After Burn", I think I have a general concept that massive amounts of fuel is dumped within the engine to produce a surge in thrust. I'd like to more details (on the level of a mechanical engineer) on really how a jet engine works and really what happens when the "After Burner" kicks in. I don't expect a dissertation or thesis, I just want to know more about the how it works.

Thank you,
Keep up the great work RUN,
Chris Gilliland

*** Posted by run ***
Hi Chris

Here is the short version of what happens in the afterburner: The afterburner is situated after the engine and therefore all the hot air from the engine is passing through the afterburner. When you ignite the afterburner a lot of fuel is sprayed into the hot air and ignited. This creates quite a bit off excess thrust, but is not very economical. You can probably find more info on the net.

run

[Question about jet engine mechanics. The term "After Burn", I think I have a general concept that massive amounts of fuel is dumped within the engine to produce a surge in thrust. I'd like to more details (on the level of a mechanical engineer) on really how a jet engine works and really what happens when the "After Burner" kicks in. I don't expect a dissertation or thesis, I just want to know more about the how it works.

Thank you,
Keep up the great work RUN,
Chris Gilliland]

*** Posted by Rapier ***
Hi Chris,

I'm no expert on jet engine mechanics but the principle is quite simple. When extra fuel is mixed with the hot gases at the rear of the engine it is ignited and causes an extra power output because the gases are escaping more quickly and being burnt off. Once the afterburner kicks in and the gases are being exhausted more quickly, the engine in practically sucking more air into the air intake producing more thrust. I think the F-16 has 3 stages of re-heat so although it burns off fuel quite quickly, there is some level of fuel economy when flying.

Hope this helps!

Rapier