Characteristic velocity

Characteristic velocity or c ^* is a measure of the combustion performance of a rocket engine independent of nozzle performance, and is used to compare different propellants and propulsion systems.

Formula

$c^* = \frac{p_1 \times A_t}{\dot{m}}$

• c ^* is the characteristic velocity (meters/second)
• p₁ is the chamber pressure (pascals)
• A_t is the area of the throat (square meters)
• $\dot{m}$ is the mass flow rate of the engine (kilograms per second)

References

• Rocket Propulsion Elements, 7th Edition by George P. Sutton, Oscar Biblarz