Model Rocket: Calculating Air Resistance

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    Model Rocket
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating air resistance for a model rocket, specifically seeking the drag coefficient and cross-sectional area. Participants suggest searching for "Saturn V simulation" to find relevant data. The importance of defining the rocket's dimensions based on its intended purpose is emphasized, as these factors influence the calculations for air resistance. The conversation highlights the need for precise measurements when accuracy is critical versus when approximations may suffice.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of drag coefficient and its significance in aerodynamics
  • Familiarity with cross-sectional area calculations for cylindrical objects
  • Basic knowledge of rocket design principles and form factors
  • Experience with mathematical modeling and simulations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the drag coefficient values for various rocket shapes, including the Saturn V
  • Learn how to calculate the cross-sectional area of cylindrical objects
  • Explore mathematical modeling techniques for simulating air resistance
  • Investigate software tools for rocket simulations, such as OpenRocket or RockSim
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, hobbyist rocket builders, and educators involved in physics or engineering projects related to aerodynamics and rocket science.

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I'm modelling a rocket leaving to outer space and I want to incorporate air resistance in the model. I however have no clue what the drag coefficient as well as the cross sectional area of a typical rocket would be. Can someone help me on this?
 
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Try a web search for "saturn v simulation", which will produce a few links. I didn't check to see how much actual data these sites had.
 
aaaa202 said:
I'm modelling a rocket leaving to outer space and I want to incorporate air resistance in the model. I however have no clue what the drag coefficient as well as the cross sectional area of a typical rocket would be. Can someone help me on this?

Are you modeling a "typical rocket"?


When the rocket leaves, who, or what is in it?

Some form factors will be dictated by what your ship is supposed to do out there.

If it has to be a certain size to fit what it needs to, well, use those dimensions.

Once you have some dimensions, you can play around with the math/see if an appropriate example is available.

Is this for a non-critical purpose, such as a game, or, is it important to be "right"?
 

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