> you might want to consult an engineer. Preferably one at SpaceX
I suspect that they would tell us that the idea that every machine can be broken down into a series of simple machines was a cute theory in the Renaissance, but is not a usefull model to explain how a Raptor engine works. Maybe the theory of simple machines and compound machines is usefull for purely mechanical constructions, like a bicycle or a clock, but fails to account for the fluid mechanical effects which dominate in a rocket engine.
I suspect that they would tell us that the idea that every machine can be broken down into a series of simple machines was a cute theory in the Renaissance, but is not a usefull model to explain how a Raptor engine works. Maybe the theory of simple machines and compound machines is usefull for purely mechanical constructions, like a bicycle or a clock, but fails to account for the fluid mechanical effects which dominate in a rocket engine.