How can I plot the altitude of a capsule during re-entry?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter phiska
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Computing Trajectory
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on plotting the altitude of a space capsule during re-entry as a function of time. Key parameters mentioned include re-entry angle, ballistic coefficient, initial altitude, initial velocity, and atmospheric density at various altitudes. The user seeks clarification on whether the plotting involves differential equations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of these specific values in accurately modeling the capsule's descent.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Knowledge of atmospheric physics
  • Experience with data visualization tools such as Matplotlib or MATLAB
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to apply differential equations to model altitude changes during re-entry
  • Learn about the effects of ballistic coefficients on trajectory calculations
  • Explore atmospheric density variations with altitude and their impact on descent
  • Investigate data visualization techniques using Matplotlib for plotting time vs. altitude
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, physics students, and anyone involved in modeling re-entry trajectories for space capsules.

phiska
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I need to plot as a function of time, the altitude of a capsule bringing astronauts back from space.

I have all the values required in order to calultate it but I'm not sure how i plot it as a function of time?

Is it simply a differential matter?

Your help is much appreciated!

Thanks

phiska
 
Physics news on Phys.org
phiska,

What are the "values" that you have?
 
re-entry angle, ballistic coefficient, initial altitude, initial velocity, density of atmosphere at different altitudes etc
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Does Special and General Relativity Affect Aging of Apollo Astronauts?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Undergrad How can a square-based lattice turn into a circular-based one?
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
2K
Undergrad [Questions] Modeling a Baseball Pitch Trajectory in 3D Space
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Equations for computing null geodesics in Schwarzschild spacetime
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad When and how can I apply Born rigidity condition?
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
4K
Minimal altitude to start a “Suicide Burn” - variable thrust
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Graduate How can I plot a 3D phase space for a system of differential equations?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad How can I accurately plot the trajectory of a spinning ball on a spreadsheet?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Undergrad Atmospheric Density vs Altitude in an O'Neil Cylinder
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K