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characteristic velocity, C*

Standard

ECSS-E-ST-35C Rev. 1

Definition

ratio of the time integral of the product of throat area and total pressure (at the throat) and the propellants ejected mass during the same time interval

Notes

NOTE 1 In accordance with this definition, the overall characteristic velocity is: In many cases t1 is taken to be the ignition time, t0, and t2 is taken to be the time at burnout (te). In that case, t2 - t1 = tb and the integral in the denominator equals the ejected mass.
NOTE 2 Instantaneous and overall characteristic velocities are usually referred to as characteristic velocity
NOTE 3 The usual units are m/s.

Relations

ECSS-Q-ST-30-11C Rev.1 — C
ECSS-Q-ST-70-29C — C
ECSS-E-ST-35C Rev. 1 — ejected mass
ECSS-S-ST-00-01C — product

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