iÂ·deÂ·a. n. 1. Something, such as a thought or conception, that is the product of mental activity. 2. An opinion, conviction, or principle: has some strange political ideas. 3. A plan, purpose, or goal: She started school with the idea of becoming a doctor. 4.
The direction of the thrust is normally along the longitudinal axis of the rocket through the rocket center of gravity. But on some rockets, the exhaust nozzle and the thrust direction can be rotated, or gimbaled. The rocket can then be maneuvered by using the torque about the center of gravity. The magnitude of the thrust can be determined by the general thrust equation.
Incidentally, you could use geometry to figure out what distance the left side of the axle would have to be moved back (or the right side forward) to accomplish your 1/2 with the string.... probably darn close to 1/8. Your string technique is a great way to check thrust angle.....