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A nozzle is a tapered tube that causes a pressure drop in a liquid flowing through it, allowing the rate of flow to be calculated. In rocket propulsion, nozzles are crucial components that accelerate hot gaseous reaction products to high exhaust velocities.12

Rocket Nozzle Mechanics

A rocket nozzle typically has a convergent section leading to a throat, where the gas velocity reaches the speed of sound. Beyond the throat, the channel diverges, accelerating the flow to supersonic speeds and decreasing the pressure. This design is essential for generating thrust by efficiently expelling exhaust gases. Nozzles often incorporate insulation or high-temperature materials like graphite to withstand the extreme heat of the exhaust. Some nozzles also include mechanisms for steering the rocket by controlling the direction of the exhaust flow.2

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