Max Velocity of a Water Rocket

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SUMMARY

The maximum velocity of a PET bottle rocket can be calculated using Tsiolkovsky's equation and the relationship between pressure and exhaust velocity. Given a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, a pressure of 1 atmosphere, an internal pressure of 40 psi, and a water volume of 300 mL, the exhaust velocity can be derived from the formula Δp = 1/2 ρ v², where ρ is the density of water. The density of water does indeed vary with temperature, which must be considered in the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Tsiolkovsky's rocket equation
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with pressure units (psi to atm conversion)
  • Basic thermodynamics related to water density changes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of Tsiolkovsky's equation in practical scenarios
  • Study fluid dynamics principles related to exhaust velocity calculations
  • Learn about the conversion between psi and atmospheric pressure
  • Investigate how temperature affects the density of water
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, physics students, hobbyists building water rockets, and anyone interested in the principles of rocketry and fluid dynamics.

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Find the maximum velocity of a PET bottle rocket on a day with temperature 30 degrees celsius and pressure 1 atmosphere, if the pressure inside the bottle was 40 psi and the volume of water in the bottle was 300 mL.

I know of Tsiolkovsky's equation but I'm not quite sure how to use it here. Any help appreciated :smile:

EDIT: Pretty sure I need to find the exhaust velocity of the water given the above details. I have a formula that says [tex]\Delta p = \frac{1}{2} \rho v^2[/tex] where [tex]\rho[/tex] is the density of water and p is pressure that (I think) gives the exhaust velocity v but I don't know where the formula came from or if it is even correct.
 
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Feel free to ignore the first part of the question. I just need someone to explain that relationship between pressure and exhaust velocity there. Also I'm guessing that the density of water changes with temperature?
 

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