To obtain more thrust from a gas turbine engine, what may be injected?

Injecting water and alcohol into a gas turbine engine can enhance thrust through a process known as water injection or water-alcohol injection. This technique typically involves injecting a mixture of water and alcohol (such as ethanol or methanol) into the combustion chamber. The primary advantage of this method is that the water helps cool the combustion process, which can increase the mass flow rate of air through the engine. This increase in air mass can lead to a greater engine thrust.

Moreover, as the water turns to steam, it expands and contributes to the overall thrust produced by the engine. The alcohol in the mixture can also serve as fuel, further contributing to combustion efficiency and thrust output. This method is particularly beneficial during specific phases of flight such as takeoff or combat scenarios in military aircraft, where maximum thrust is essential.

In contrast, jet fuel is the primary fuel used for gas turbines and is not typically an injection option for obtaining more thrust beyond standard operational parameters. Air alone cannot be injected for additional thrust; it is the combustion of fuel and the resultant hot gases expelled that create thrust in gas turbines. Detergents, while useful for cleaning engine components, do not contribute to thrust in any way. This makes water and alcohol injection a valuable technique for performance enhancement