Afterburning: meaning, definitions and examples
🚀
afterburning
[ ˈæftərˌbɜrnɪŋ ]
aeronautics
Afterburning refers to the process of injecting additional fuel into the exhaust stream of a jet engine to provide an increase in thrust. This technique is primarily used in military and some civilian aircraft to enhance performance during takeoff and acceleration.
Synonyms
post-combustion, reheating.
Examples of usage
- The fighter jet achieved supersonic speed by afterburning.
- Afterburning significantly increased the aircraft's thrust during combat maneuvers.
- The pilot engaged the afterburner to break the sound barrier.
- Afterburning can lead to increased fuel consumption.
Etymology
The term 'afterburning' originates from the combination of 'after', meaning 'following in time', and 'burning', referring to the combustion process. The technology behind afterburning was developed during the mid-20th century, primarily for military applications. It became prominent during the Cold War as the demand for high-speed, high-performance aircraft increased. Afterburners allow jets to produce significantly more thrust without the need for larger engines, leading to a more streamlined design. The practice has continued to evolve, and while it is less common in civilian aviation, it remains a vital component in modern military aircraft and some specialized civilian jet aircraft.