Rocket stuff, if you're looking ahead.

Rocket calculations, if you're working ahead.

 Rocket Lab

In this lab, you will determine the following information about your rocket flight:

Maximum speed

Maximum height

Time of flight

1.     Before the flight, record the mass (in kg) of your rocket.  The scale will give it to you in grams – convert to kg.  The rocket should have everything inside of it:  wadding, engine, parachute.

2.     Record the type of engine being used.

3.     The average thrust (Force, F) is the first number (probably 8 or 6) in the above engine type.  This number is in newtons.  Record here:

4.     Also record the estimated height (in m), using an altimeter or trigonometry. 
(WE WILL DO THIS ON LAUNCH DAY.)

5.     Determine the post-flight mass.  Subtract the following numbers from your pre-launch mass.  If the engine is different, ask Sean

A8-3 engine (3.12 g = 0.00312 kg).  B6-4 engine (6.24 g = 0.00624 kg)

6.     Now find the average mass (between pre and post launch masses).

7.     Calculate the average acceleration of the rocket during its thrust period.

8.     The time of thrust is known - it is set by the amount of propellant in the engine.  A8-3 (0.5 sec). B6-4 (0.8 sec).  See Sean if engine is different.

9.   Find the "burnout speed" of the rocket, using an equation of motion.

10.   Determine the height to which the rocket has climbed by this point.

11.   Now, consider the burnout speed as the (new) initial speed and find the height to which the rocket will continue to climb until it reaches apogee.

12.   Find the total height (theoretically) achieved.

13.  Compare this to the estimated height from launch day.  See 4 above.  

14.  What is the discrepancy between the estimated height (5 above) and the calculated height (13 above).  Why are the numbers different?  Discuss.

15.  Draw a labeled picture that represents the flight of your rocket.