How does an afterburner work and when is it used?

An afterburner (augmentor) injects additional fuel into the exhaust duct downstream of the turbine and burns it in the oxygen-rich bypass and core flows. This adds energy to the exhaust, significantly increasing thrust (50-70%) at the cost of high fuel consumption (TSFC doubles or triples). Components include: Fuel spray bars or rings, Flame holders for stability, Screech liners for acoustic damping, and Variable nozzle for proper expansion. Used for: Takeoff from short runways, Combat maneuvering, Supersonic acceleration, and Emergency thrust. Limited to military aircraft due to fuel consumption; supercruise-capable aircraft (F-22) can sustain supersonic flight without afterburner.