What is the formula for calculating delta v for escape velocity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the delta v required for an object to transition from a circular orbit to a hyperbolic orbit around the Sun, specifically aiming for a velocity of 1 km/s at infinity. The focus is on the formulas related to escape velocity and the necessary additional velocity to achieve the desired orbital change.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the formula for escape velocity is the circular velocity multiplied by the square root of 2.
  • Another participant suggests that to achieve the desired velocity at infinity, an additional 1 km/s must be applied in the prograde direction.
  • A later reply confirms the formula for escape velocity and introduces a new formula for the required velocity, which combines escape velocity and the desired velocity at infinity.
  • There is a discussion about the correct format for representing square root in TeX, with one participant providing guidance on the syntax.
  • One participant expresses satisfaction with the TeX formatting and acknowledges the help received from another participant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to apply an additional 1 km/s for the transition to a hyperbolic orbit, but there is some uncertainty regarding the initial formula for escape velocity and its application in this context.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the specific conditions under which the formulas apply, and the discussion does not clarify all assumptions related to the orbital mechanics involved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, or those studying the principles of escape velocity and orbital transitions may find this discussion relevant.

tony873004
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Let's say I have an object orbiting the Sun in a circular orbit with an orbital velocity of 30 km/s. If I want to accelerate prograde into a hyperbolic orbit, and I'd like my velocity relative to the Sun to be 1 km/s at infinity, what is the formula I'd use to figure out how much delta v in the prograde direction I'd have to apply? I believe the formula for escape velocity is [itex]circular velocity * sqrt{2}[/itex], but I want to know how much further I must accelerate to have 1 km/s of extra velocity when the rocket has distanced itself from the Sun.

Also, how do I get the root symbol in the tex tags?
 
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You would have to accelerate 1 km/sec more.

The root function for squareroot is \sqrt{n} the radical sign will be placed over n like this:
[tex]\sqrt{2}[/tex]

or
[tex]\sqrt{\frac{2GM}{R}}[/tex]
 
Never mind... I figured it out. :wink:
[tex]vescape = \sqrt{2}*vcircular[/tex]
[tex]vrequired = \sqrt{vescape^2 + vinfinity^2}[/tex]

edit... to change to TEX format. I love these TEX things. Thanks Janus.
 
Last edited:
Janus said:
You would have to accelerate 1 km/sec more.
I must have been typing while you were posting.
That was my original guess, but it didn't work. The formula in the above post works though. Thanks, Janus.

BTW... Is your name in reference to Saturn's moon? That's a cool moon as it shares a horseshoe orbit with Epimetheus.
 
Last edited:

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