Calculating Delta-V in Hohmann Transfer Equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating delta-v using the Hohmann transfer equation. The user initially applied the equation with incorrect gravitational parameter (\mu) values, resulting in an unrealistic delta-v of 0.00122149 m/s. The correct value for \mu, derived from the gravitational constant (G) and Earth's mass (M), is 4.651 x 1014 m3 s-2. This adjustment leads to accurate delta-v calculations for orbital transfers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Hohmann transfer equation
  • Knowledge of gravitational parameter (\mu) calculations
  • Familiarity with universal gravitational constant (G)
  • Basic skills in using Excel for calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of the Hohmann transfer equation
  • Learn how to calculate gravitational parameters for different celestial bodies
  • Explore advanced orbital mechanics concepts
  • Practice delta-v calculations using various orbital scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, astrophysicists, and students studying orbital mechanics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those involved in spacecraft trajectory planning and delta-v calculations.

Solistics
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I'm having some slight difficulties in calculating the delta-v in a hohmann transfer equation. I used the equation from wikipedia (which i hope is correct) but whenever i replace the variables i get an extremely small delta-v, is this normal?

[tex]\Delta[/tex]v=[tex]\sqrt{}(\mu/r1)[/tex]*([tex]\sqrt{}(2*r2/(r1+r2)[/tex]-1))

r1=6374000 meters
r2=405500000 meters
[tex]\mu=9.814[/tex]

my final result was 0.00122149m/s
it seems like a really small number, is this right or I'm i doing something really wrong?

i attached an excel sheet to show you my work.

thanks in advance
 

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Solistics said:
I'm having some slight difficulties in calculating the delta-v in a hohmann transfer equation. I used the equation from wikipedia (which i hope is correct) but whenever i replace the variables i get an extremely small delta-v, is this normal?

[tex]\Delta[/tex]v=[tex]\sqrt{}(\mu/r1)[/tex]*([tex]\sqrt{}(2*r2/(r1+r2)[/tex]-1))

r1=6374000 meters
r2=405500000 meters
[tex]\mu=9.814[/tex]

my final result was 0.00122149m/s
it seems like a really small number, is this right or I'm i doing something really wrong?

i attached an excel sheet to show you my work.

thanks in advance

The problem is your value for [itex]\mu[/itex]

[tex]\mu = GM[/tex]

Where G is the universal gravitational constant and is equal to

6.67300 × 10-11 m3 kg-1 s-2

and M in this case is the mass of the Earth, or 5.97 x 1024 kg

so

4.651 X [itex]10^{14}m^3 s^{-2}[/itex]
 
thanks for that correction.
 

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