What is Model rocket: Definition and 54 Discussions

A model rocket is a small rocket designed to reach low altitudes (e.g., 100–500 m (330–1,640 ft) for 30 g (1.1 oz) model) and be recovered by a variety of means.
According to the United States National Association of Rocketry (nar) Safety Code, model rockets are constructed of paper, wood, plastic and other lightweight materials. The code also provides guidelines for motor use, launch site selection, launch methods, launcher placement, recovery system design and deployment and more. Since the early 1960s, a copy of the Model Rocket Safety Code has been provided with most model rocket kits and motors. Despite its inherent association with extremely flammable substances and objects with a pointed tip traveling at high speeds, model rocketry historically has proven to be a very safe hobby and has been credited as a significant source of inspiration for children who eventually become scientists and engineers.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. L

    B Model rocket physics: Why doesn't the motor go through the nose cone?

    For those who have built those small model rockets, please help me understand a very very simple physics problem that i for some reason do not fully get. Why is it that the motor tube does not have a retention ring on it, to prevent the motor from flying out the nose cone? i know it cant be...
  2. L

    Finding the terminal velocity of a model rocket from a list of velocities

    Ok, i have some rocket data from a 20,000 foot launch. I have the times, altitudes, and velocity at said time. Is it possible to find the terminal velocity from this long list of numbers? I tried graphing the velocities to see where the curve flattens out, since usually that is where terminal...
  3. L

    I Measuring Model Rocket Velocity: Is it Possible?

    Question, if i record a video of a model rocket launching, and then falling, is it possible to get the actual (or extremely close) velocity every 1 second? thanks
  4. L

    Impact force of model rocket with parachute

    I just launched a 2.2kg model rocket that stands about 5 feet tall and has a airframe that is 4 inches in diameter. I am trying to find how much the impact force is when the rocket hits the ground at 16MPH. Whats the best approach? Momentum? KE? or something else:) thanks
  5. Z

    Model Rocket Launch: Maximum Height, Time, and Duration Calculations

    Homework Statement A model rocket is launched straight upward with an initial speed of 50.0 m/s. It accelerates with a constant upward acceleration of 1.50 m/s2 until its engines stop at an altitude of 110 m. (a) What is the maximum height reached by the rocket? (b) How long after lift-off...
  6. U

    How can I calculate the required thrust for my model rocket design?

    Hi, I am currently working on a Hybrid Rocket which uses fuel grain as 3-D printed ABS and oxidizer as N2O, but i need to calculate some basic parts such as required thrust to reach specific altitude. I want to calculate the required thrust to reach 1.5km for 10kg rocket with 7cm radius. It will...
  7. J

    Max altitude of a model rocket

    Homework Statement Hello all, I have to determine the maximum height of a model rocket. The rocket is launched at an 45 degree angle The finale velocity is 15,69 m/s (v) the extutevelocety is 14,23 m/s (c) The total mass is 180 gram (m) or m0) The emty mass is 52 grams (mf) The mass pr sek is...
  8. Andy24

    Model Rocket- What does the 'v' in drag=kv^2 really mean?

    Hello! I am predicting the peak altitude of a model rocket based on some ground tests. I know that Total Force on the rocket=Thrust-mg-kv^2 but am stuck as to which value for 'v' to use? Is it the velocity of the rocket with the effects of gravity and air resistance taken into account or the...
  9. Andy24

    Coefficient of Drag on a model rocket

    Hello everyone, I am predicting the altitude of a model rocket based on some testing I did where I found the impulse of a little single stage model rocket motor. I am wondering how to incorporate drag into my calculations to make it more accurate. I know D=Cd*rho*v^2*A and I can definitely find...
  10. vinicius0197

    Project and Construction of Arduino controlled model rocket

    Hey folks. I've done a little bit of research into model rocketry and I'm stuck with the idea of designing and projecting a rocket to put into practice all the engineering I'm learning in college - I'm into MechE. I want to start simple, doing a few tests and learning the basics - types of...
  11. M

    Work-kinetic energy theorem - model rocket velocity/height

    Homework Statement A student experimenting with model rockets measures the speed of a vertically-launched rocket to be 18.0 m/s when it is 75.0 m above the ground on the way up. The rocket engine fires from when the rocket is at ground level to when it is 8.75 m above the ground. If the rocket...
  12. S

    Need help with model rocket thrust

    Homework Statement Hi. I'm in high school physics, and as I'm only 2 months in, I still don't know much. We launched a model rocket as an experiment and I need to find the thrust after adding 100g of mass to the rocket's body. The engine is an Estes A8-3. My teacher told me that its thrust is...
  13. BonesSheppard

    Why buy new model rocket engines?

    Hi I was wondering why are model rocket engines disposable after one use? Is it because it is more economically feasible to buy a new model rocket engine than to repair a used one because the process of using a model rocket engine always ruins it? Also, if it is the case that model rocket...
  14. J

    Do I Need a License for Horizontal Thrust Rocket Tests?

    If your rocket is of a certain power range you need a certain license. My question is of you need these license's if you are only doing horizontal thrusts tests and never actually launching it vertically into the air?
  15. Gbl911

    Can a Model Rocket reach space?

    I was wondering if there is a way to build a model rocket that has the capabilities to reach space (not go into orbit though). It would seem to be very difficult to reach space from the ground, but if you launch it from a balloon some 30 miles up, would it be possible, if not, any easier?
  16. Abscissas

    Solving a Model Rocket Launch Problem

    Hello loves, I know there are post very very similar to this, but I just needed some help understanding it. any help is truly appreciated. 1. Homework Statement A model rocket is launched straight upward with an initial speed of 50 m/s. It accelerates with a constant upward acceleration of 30...
  17. E

    Model Rocket Help: Achieve a Glide for Contest

    I am trying to build a model rocket for a contest. It goes up as a rocket but comes down as a glider. Vertical takeoff. Does not jettison any parts. Should glide down in large slow graceful circles. Judged based on total hang time. I have been able to avoid a outright nose dive by putting the cp...
  18. D

    Maximum Height of model rocket

    Homework Statement A model rocket is launched with an initial velocity of 55 m/s. Its height as a function of time can be modeled by h(t) = -4.9t2 + 55t. Determine the maximum height reached by the rocket.Homework Equations h(t) = -4.9t2 + 55tThe Attempt at a Solution h'(0) = 55, since h'(t) =...
  19. B

    Model Rocket Impulse and momentum problem

    A model rocket is constructed with a motor that can provide a total impulse of 27.5 N · s. The mass of the rocket is 0.173 kg. What is the speed that this rocket achieves when launched from rest? Neglect the effects of gravity and air resistance. i know that the equation is p=mv (vector...
  20. P

    How Long Does It Take a Model Rocket to Reach Maximum Height?

    Homework Statement A model rocket is launched straight upward with an initial speed of 50.0 m/s. It accelerates with a constant upward acceleration of 2.00 m/s^2 until its engines stop at an altitude of 150 m. How long after lift off does the rocket reach the maximum height? from...
  21. E

    Model Rocket Blast off @ 100,000'

    Hello Everyone, If I were to blast off my model rocket from a weather balloon what altitude would it reach? I have a model rocket that routinely reaches 10,000' @ sea level. If this were attached to a weather balloon and launched at 100,000', what would happen? Are gravitational pull...
  22. X

    Model rocket question (MY LAST RESORT) (and this is NOT a homework question)

    Alright everybody, I REALLY need help on this and I only have a limited time. So I took a video of a model rocket and using the video analysis software, Tracker, I have a graph of position vs. time. Now I don't know calculus yet (only in pre-calc as of now), so the derivation of the graph won't...
  23. J

    Motion in One Dimension: Model Rocket

    Homework Statement A model rocket accelerates upward from the ground with a constant acceleration, reaching a height of 76 m in 7.2 s. What is the acceleration (in m/s 2)? What is the speed (in m/s) at a height of 76 m? Homework Equations V=Vo+at X=Xo+Vot+1/2at^2 V^2=Vo^2+2at(X-Xo)...
  24. T

    Could a model rocket be launched into space by balloon?

    Say you had a small platform lifted by a high altitude balloon capable of reaching 30 miles above the earth. And on the platfrom you had a small model rocket. If you launched this small rocket from 30 miles above the earth, could it reach the Kármán line? How powerful would the rocket have to be?
  25. A

    Differential Equation of a model rocket

    Homework Statement Suppose that the acceleration of a model rocket is proportional to the difference between 100 ft/sec and the rocket's velocity. If it is initially at rest and its initial acceleration is 50 ft/sec2, how long will it take to accelerate to 80 ft/s? The Attempt at a...
  26. brainpushups

    Predicting model rocket height (with and without drag)

    Hello all, I recently made some model rockets and thought it would be fun to predict their height before setting them off this weekend. I thought it would also be interesting to compare the difference in the predictions of a model with no drag and a model with quadratic drag. Surprisingly...
  27. P

    What is the maximum model rocket altitude?

    Hi I have a few question i don't understand how to complete. Homework Statement A model rocket leaves the ground, heading straight up at 49m/s. a)What is the maximum altitude?What are its speed and altitude at b)1s c)4s 2. Homework Equations ( For all questions) Constant acceleration...
  28. M

    How Does a Faulty Model Rocket's Motion Change Over Time?

    [b]1. A faulty model rocket moves in the xy-plane (the positive y-direction is vertically upward). The rocket's acceleration has components a_{x}(t)= \alpha t^{2} and a_{y}(t)= \beta - \gamma t, where \alpha = 2.50 {\rm m}/{\rm s}^{4}, \beta = 9.00 {\rm m}/{\rm s}^{2}, and \gamma = 1.40 {\rm...
  29. Y

    Model Rocket Flight: Graphing Acceleration, Velocity, and Height

    A model rocket is launched with an upward acceleration, after t seconds it runs out of fuel at x height. Sketch the a vs. t, v vs. t, and position vs. t graphs for the rocket from the time of launch until the moment it reaches max height. -I know that after the rocket runs out of fuel it will...
  30. C

    Kinematics in 1D - Model Rocket Question

    Homework Statement A model rocket blasts off from the ground, rising straight upward with a constant acceleration that has a magnitude of 76.0 m/s2 for 1.54 seconds, at which point its fuel abruptly runs out. Air resistance has no effect on its flight. What maximum altitude (above the ground)...
  31. N

    Kinematics Model Rocket problem

    Kinematics Model Rocket problem ! A) A model rocket is launched straight upward with an initial speed of 49.6 m/s. It accelerates with a constant upward acceleration of 1.83 m/s2 until its engines stop at an altitude of 155 m. What is the maximum height reached by the rocket? B) How long...
  32. A

    Designing a Stable Model Rocket for Windy Conditions

    We need to design a model rocket from scratch that is resistant to crosswinds and keep its trajectory withing a target zone. Does anyone know any methods to keep a model rocket stable in windy conditions? My idea was to make the rocket rather heavy, to resist the force of the wind. Would...
  33. W

    Net Force of a Model Rocket in Free Fall

    A model rocket with a mass of 0.50 kg is fired vertically from the ground. Assume that it is streamlined enough that air resistance can be ignored. Suppose it ascends under the influence of a constant net force of 2.0 N acting in a vertical direction and travels for 6.0 s before its fuel is...
  34. X

    Angular Acceleration of a Model Rocket

    Homework Statement I'm getting this problem wrong and I'm not quite sure why. The 200 g model rocket shown in the figure generates 4.0 N of thrust. It spins in a horizontal circle at the end of a 100 g rigid rod. What is its angular acceleration (in rad/s2)? Homework Equations...
  35. R

    Model Rocket question regarding height,time,acceleration

    A model rocket rises with constant acceleration to a height of 4.0 m, at which point its speed is 25.0 m/s. How long does it take for the rocket to reach this height? Ans: t= 0.32s What was the magnitude of the rockets acceleration? Ans a= 78 m/s^2 "Find the height of the rocket 0.20...
  36. clope023

    How High Does the Faulty Model Rocket Reach?

    Homework Statement A faulty model rocket moves in the xy-plane (the positive y-direction is vertically upward). The rocket's acceleration has components ax= \alphat^2 and ay=\beta-\gammat , where \alpha=2.50m/s^4, \beta=9.00m/s^2, and \gamma=1.40m/s^3. At t=0 the rocket is at the origin and...
  37. R

    Model rocket How to achieve max. altitude? (w/out altering engine)

    I am building a model rocket for a school project, and I am using a PITSCO model rocket kit. We are not to be altering the engine in any way. What can I do to get the highest possible altitude and maximum time duration? (from launch till touchdown) As far as I know, the best thing we can do...
  38. K

    How far from the edge of the cliff does the model rocket land?

    Urgent ...please Help! I have to make test corrections in my physics class and i leftmy book at school and i don't know how to do 5 problems and my grade is basically dependig on this...ill gie one of them and if anyone can help thatd be great! thanks! a model rocket flies horizontally off...
  39. L

    Airframe dynamics of a model rocket roll control system?

    Hello, I am hoping to build a model rocket with a roll control system for my senior project. Since the idea of building or obtaining a wind tunnel seems infeasible I will need to theoretically calculate how this rocket will behave with various canard fin angles and at various air speeds. I...
  40. C

    Model Rocket design:FYP: help?

    I would like to seek your assistance and help regarding my project, and I would like to know if you have an ideas for projects on an appropriate level of required skill related to rocketry. Presently i have two field options in mind .. .structures and CFD and i have a thinking about...
  41. M

    Model rocket motion problem

    1. A shuttle bus slows down with an average acceleration of -1.8m/s^2. How long does it take the bus to slow from 9.0m/s to a complete stop? For this question, we can immediately say that the final velocity is 0m/s because it stops. Now let's take a look at the second question: A robot probe...
  42. L

    Small wind tunnel for a model rocket

    I need to test a model rocket which will have average airspeeds around 200 mph. I am hoping to construct a plexiglass box about 9 feet long, 3 feet wide and 3 feet tall. For these dimensions and airspeed requirements it looks like I'd need a 160000 cfm blower. Is this something I can feasibly...
  43. X

    Calculating Thrust Force of a Model Rocket

    1. Homework Statement A model rocket of mass 4.8 x 10^2 g accelerates vertically upward at 34.m/s2. Calculate the thrust force applied by the rocket if the air resistance is 2.4N 2. Homework Equations F=ma? 3. The Attempt at a Solution Converted into SI rocket mass = 0.48g...
  44. S

    Homemade Parachute for Model Rocket

    Ok I am sure the title caught your attention, but it is not for me, it is for my cat, just kidding. It will actually be for a model rocket I am building. I would like to design a ram-air parachute to control a descending rocket (toggles will be attached to either servos or linear actuators and...
  45. E

    Model Rocket Launch Equations: A Guide for Successful Launches

    below are my posts on my homemade RPG i was planning, after endless disagreement for help because of the exploding part i have subsided to a normal model rocket, seeing as how i bought a d-class rocket engine anyway. so, I would just like some certain equations that would help me in my launch...
  46. S

    Model Rocket Propulsion: The Power of Hydrogen and Oxygen Combustion

    If say hydrogen is ejected out of the tail of a model rocket and combusted with O2 of the surrounding air, will that propel the model rocket forward and will the propulsion be sustainable?
  47. V

    How can I design a basic guidance system for my model rocket?

    I'm building a model rocket from scratch; I'm now in the phase of designing a simple guidance system: * Radio transmitter (From ground), Receiver on the rocket to get the basic orders Up, Down, Right, Left * A gyroscope on the rocket to get the real position of the rocket and to update...
  48. A

    Journey into Model Rocket Engine Making

    i have been into model rocketry for a very long time now, and i think that it is about time i learn how to start making the engines, does anyone know how to do this? the only explinations i have seen is one printed by Aerospace model rocket engine company who basically gave 10 reasons why you...
  49. R

    Model Rocket: Max Height & Flight Duration

    A model rocket is launched straight upward with an initial speed of 45.6 m/s. It accelerates with a constant upward acceleration of 1.5 m/s^2 until its engines stop at an altitude of 180.5 m. What is the maximum height reached by the rocket? Answer in units of m. How long after lift-off does...
  50. M

    Find Thrust of a Model Rocket Motor

    I was wondering how I could find out the thrust, any any other interesting facts about my model rocket motor, but maily the inpulse/thrust. Here is what I know/can measure: -mass of propelant and whole motor assembly -type of propelant (aswell as full expected reaction of propelant as it...
Back
Top