How to interper thrust of the rocket

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    Rocket Thrust
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of thrust in rocket dynamics, particularly focusing on the equations governing thrust, net force, and the effects of mass change during rocket propulsion. Participants explore the implications of these equations in the context of vertical launches, gravitational forces, and momentum conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the thrust equation as F_thrust = u*dm/dt, where u is the speed of gases relative to the rocket and dm/dt is the rate of change of ejected mass.
  • Another participant argues that the net force equation F_net = F_thrust - mg leads to the interpretation that the acceleration a is influenced by forces other than thrust.
  • It is noted that u*dm/dt does not equal v*dm/dt, highlighting the distinction between the speed of ejected gas and the rocket's velocity.
  • A participant emphasizes that the rocket's acceleration is affected by both its weight and thrust, suggesting that greater weight results in smaller acceleration for a given thrust.
  • Another participant points out that the momentum lost due to mass ejection must be considered, leading to the equation dp/dt = F_net + v*dm/dt.
  • Concerns are raised about the physical significance of differentiating products of functions in the context of mass flow, suggesting that mass should be treated as constant during differentiation.
  • There is a reference to the need for careful treatment of momentum carried by mass as it moves within the system.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of thrust and the implications of mass change on rocket dynamics. There is no consensus on the correct formulation or interpretation of the equations involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the subtleties in deriving rocket equations, particularly regarding the treatment of mass and momentum. The discussion reflects varying assumptions about the physical behavior of mass flow and its impact on thrust and acceleration.

amiras
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For example then talking about the rocket the trust is:

F_thrust = u*dm/dt

where u is speed of the gases relative to the rocket, and dm/dt rate of change of ejected mass of gases.

Now if the rocket is being launched vertically so force of gravity acts upon it and:

F_net = F_thrust - mg = u*dm/dt - mg

According to the 2nd Newton's law:

F_net = dp/dt = v*dm/dt + m*dv/dt = v*dm/dt + ma

If comparing these equations:

ma=-mg in this case:

should that be interpreted that the acceleration a is caused by the forces other then thrust.

And is it possible to write:

F_net = m*dv/dt + F_other = F_thrust + F_other
 
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amiras said:
For example then talking about the rocket the trust is:

F_thrust = u*dm/dt

where u is speed of the gases relative to the rocket, and dm/dt rate of change of ejected mass of gases.

Now if the rocket is being launched vertically so force of gravity acts upon it and:

F_net = F_thrust - mg = u*dm/dt - mg

According to the 2nd Newton's law:

F_net = dp/dt = v*dm/dt + m*dv/dt = v*dm/dt + ma

If comparing these equations:

ma=-mg in this case:

should that be interpreted that the acceleration a is caused by the forces other then thrust.

And is it possible to write:

F_net = m*dv/dt + F_other = F_thrust + F_other

u*dm/dt =/= v*dm/dt
Since u is the speed of the ejected gas with respect to the rocket and v is the velocity of the rocket with respect to some fixed frame.This is clearly ma=-mg wrong.
The acceleration of the rocket depends on both the weight of the rocket and the thrust. The higher the weight the smaller the acceleration for some given thrust.
 
amiras, you are forgetting that the rocket is also losing amount of momentum proportional to lost mass. So dp/dt = F_net + v*dm/dt, so you get F_net = m dv/dt = ma. (This is one of the subtler parts of deriving rocket formula.)

So: ma = u dm/dt - mg.
 
First, as bp_psy said, u /= v

amiras said:
F_net = dp/dt = v*dm/dt + m*dv/dt
While this looks like a mathematically correct way to differentiate a product of two functions of t, you have to be carefult about physical significance of that.

The second term m*dv/dt is the force required to accelerate mass m from v to v+dv during time dt. This is ok. But the first term v*dm/dt means the force required to accelerate a small mass increment dm from 0 to v during time dt (or decelerate it from v to 0, depending on the sign of dm). In other words this equation quietly assumes that the extra mass acquired (or lost) by the moving body has initial (or final) velocity of 0.

The reason why it doesn't quite work is because mass (unlike other parameters, like velocity or temperature) does not just appear out of nowhere, it actually moves from one part of the system to another and carries its momentum with it. For that reason it is easier to treat the mass as a constant during differentiation and then explicitly account for the momentum brought in (or carried away) by the mass flow.

It's a subtle point, see here for some examples and discussion:
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=Ni6CD7K2X4MC&pg=PA690

PS the correct expression in your case if F_net = ma = u dm/dt - mg
PPS just noticed K^2 said the same thing already
 

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