Do I need to install anything?

No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.

For Students · Propeller Thrust

Propeller Thrust for a parachute descent

Built for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition. Simulate a parachute descent live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

Propeller ThrustLive

actuator-disk theory

Controls

Presets

Power (kW)

Diameter (m)

Airspeed (m/s)

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.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Thrust1383 N

Static thrust2498 N

Induced velocity6.1 m/s

Propulsive eff.83%

Governing equation

T = 2 ρ A (V + v_{i}) v_{i} \approx 1383 N, A = \frac{π}{4} (1.8)^{2} = 2.54 m^{2}

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.

or unlock everything with Pro →

Also for:Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers K-12 Students First Responders General version →

More with Propeller Thrust

Propeller Thrust for a passenger jet wing Propeller Thrust for a rocket ascent Propeller Thrust for a drone quadcopter Propeller Thrust for a glider Propeller Thrust for a paper airplane Propeller Thrust for a Mars lander Propeller Thrust for a satellite reentry Propeller Thrust for a model rocket

Frequently asked questions

Is this good for students?: Yes — this version of "Propeller Thrust for a parachute descent" is framed for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.