How do I integrate expressions with varying mass and air resistance in a rocket?

  • Thread starter Thread starter BitterX
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Air Rocket
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on integrating expressions for a rocket experiencing varying mass and air resistance, specifically with the force equation F = ub - kv. The user struggles to separate variables for integration, particularly with terms involving mass and velocity. Suggestions include using the relationship m = M_0 - bt and separating variables to solve the differential equation. A resource for further understanding of separation of variables in differential equations is also recommended. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly manipulating the equations to facilitate integration.
BitterX
Messages
35
Reaction score
0
Because this is not a 'formal' question I won't use the template.

I was wondering, what if I have a rocket (varying mass) with air resistance acting upon it?
Let's say the F=-kv
u is the speed of the rocket relative to the gas, and the rate of mass/second extracted is
b
without g it would look like this:
\frac{dv}{v} =-u \frac{dm}{mv}-\frac{k}{m}dt


My problem is that I don't know how I can integrate the expressions in the right side.
I'm sure I can't use the variable v as a constant in dm/mv but maybe I'm wrong.

The only book I have about mechanics is Berkeley's book, if this type of problems are in another, please point me to it. Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi BitterX! :wink:
BitterX said:
u is the speed of the rocket relative to the gas, and the rate of mass/second extracted is b

dm/dt = -b …

does that help? :smile:
 
Ok, so:
F= ub - kv

m\frac{dv}{dt}= ub - kv

m\frac{dv}{dt}=ub-k\frac{dx}{dt}

now I'm still stuck

m\frac{dv}{v}=(\frac{ub}{v}-k)dt

vdt=dx \Rightarrow \frac{dt}{v}=\frac{dx}{v^2} = \frac{dv}{v^2 dt}

how can I isolate v to be only with dv?
should I use m=M_0 - bt?
 
Hi BitterX! :smile:
BitterX said:
Ok, so:
F= ub - kv

m\frac{dv}{dt}= ub - kv

Why did you introduce x in the next line?? :rolleyes:

Just separate the variables, and solve! :biggrin:
 
I'm really sorry, but that's exactly my problem.
I can't see how can I separate v and m,
If I divide by v and m I'm still stuck with \frac{ ub}{mv}dt
and \frac{ k}{m}dt

how can I integrate \frac{dt}{m} or \frac{dt}{mv}?

and more generally, is there a text about how to do these things?

Thanks for the help :)
 
Last edited:
Thanks! I guess I'm blind :)
 
Back
Top