What happens if you throw sand into a jet engine?

Derek Muller (Veritasium) takes you on a whirlwind tour of jet engines – from the basics of how they generate thrust to the inner workings of Rolls-Royce’s casting facility. You’ll learn why turbine blades don’t melt (thanks to nickel superalloys, precise crystal structures and clever cooling channels) and see the historical evolution of jet propulsion along the way.

The grand finale? Throwing sand at a running engine. With insights from Cambridge, Bochum and top aerospace experts, the video shows how tiny particles can damage blades, disrupt airflow and underscore the importance of clean intake air for reliable, long-lasting performance.

Watch on YouTube