For Hobbyists & Makers · Propeller Thrust
Propeller Thrust for a Mars lander
Built for hobbyists & makers exploring it for fun. Play with real physics and math, no license and no setup — just open and tinker. Simulate a Mars lander live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.
Propeller ThrustLive
actuator-disk theory
Controls
Presets
Momentum theory treats a propeller as a disk that accelerates the air passing through it, and the reaction is thrust. For a given power, a bigger disk moves more air more gently — producing more thrust at higher efficiency. That is why efficient props and helicopter rotors are large and slow, while jets accept lower efficiency for compactness and speed.
Data Inspector
Thrust1383 N
Static thrust2498 N
Induced velocity6.1 m/s
Propulsive eff.83%
Governing equation
Reading this result: At 30 m/s the prop produces 1383 N at 83% efficiency; wasted energy shows up as the 6.1 m/s slipstream.
Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is this good for hobbyists & makers?
- Yes — this version of "Propeller Thrust for a Mars lander" is framed for hobbyists & makers exploring it for fun. Play with real physics and math, no license and no setup — just open and tinker.
- Do I need to install anything?
- No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.