Model Rocket Launch Equations: A Guide for Successful Launches

[elitemaple]

below are my posts on my homemade RPG i was planning, after endless disagreement for help because of the exploding part i have subsided to a normal model rocket, seeing as how i bought a d-class rocket engine anyway. so, I would just like some certain equations that would help me in my launch, such as y(time or anything of that matter) x(weight) = z(whatever it would equal.) I'm hoping to receive help this time and will keep you updated on the project.

elitemaple

 

[quantumdude]

OK, I'm game. First of all a couple of questions:

* What's your math and physics background?
* Do you have any technical data on the D Class Engine (burn time, thrust, etc?)

If you can't answer the second one then I'll do a little digging with the help of Google.

 

[elitemaple]

thanks for your future help

for your question one, i have no physics background, but i tend to catch on to math very easily, if i was given the equations i could do it and if i didn't understand something i can take the equation to my math teacher or science teacher.

for the second question i have tried to dig information but it was extremely late and i was unsuccessful, i will try again later but it would be nice if you found something i didn't.

 

[quantumdude]

OK, I think we're in good shape with the tech data. Check out this website:

http://www.apogeerockets.com/

If you click on "Rocket Motors" and then on "Estes" we find the following:

http://www.apogeerockets.com/Estes_Items.asp

I'm guessing that the D class engines are the ones that start with "D" (D12-0, D12-3, etc). They give exactly the info that I was looking for, and more (thrust, burn time, mass, impulse, etc).

So let me ask another question: What is the exact make and model of your engine? This will become important when we come to putting numbers into equations.

 

[quantumdude]

More links to check out:

Model Rocket Handbook from Lunar Dot Org

Rocket Modeler II 2.1f beta Java applet from NASA

 

[elitemaple]

i bought a 3 pack of d12-5 rocket engines at hobby world. I hope that helps for the equations.

 

[quantumdude]

i missed a part of your question, for math background i have been in enriched classes and advanced classes my entire life when available

Before I get to the equations I need to know how far you've gone. So, which of the following do you know?

* Algebra
* Geometry
* Trigonometry
* Calculus

i bought a 3 pack of d12-5 rocket engines at hobby world. I hope that helps for the equations.

It does help, because now I know to use the data for that engine.

More tomorrow...

 

[elitemaple]

Before I get to the equations I need to know how far you've gone. So, which of the following do you know?

* Algebra
* Geometry
* Trigonometry
* Calculus

I have done all those types of math aside from calculus. I'm predicting that i will learn it in a short period of time, its inevitable to happen in my grade.

and yeah, i saw on that like, d = impusle, 12 = average thrust in Newtons and 5 would = the time delay. i hope we get this on the go soon and when it is finally time to launch ill video tape it then post on a video blog site.

 

[Becker B]

Before I get to the equations I need to know how far you've gone. So, which of the following do you know?

* Algebra
* Geometry
* Trigonometry
* Calculus

I have done all those types of math aside from calculus. I'm predicting that i will learn it in a short period of time, its inevitable to happen in my grade.

and yeah, i saw on that like, d = impusle, 12 = average thrust in Newtons and 5 would = the time delay. i hope we get this on the go soon and when it is finally time to launch ill video tape it then post on a video blog site.

They way I figure it is, if the rocket flys, we know the original build and can modify it with other things... Camera, parachute ect..

And any non-idiot teachers can help if we really need it. A30 trig is tought heh.

 

[elitemaple]

ok, it may seem as though this conversation is between tom mattson and I, that doesn't mean all...oohh...126 or so of you who have viewed this thread cannot intervene and help out.

 

[elitemaple]

I posted some pictures of my RPG plans, but i guess they deleted them, whatever.

 

[Ryan Schash]

hey I am just reading your thread and its kinda funny i was just launching model rockets off for my physics class today didnt go so well... but my rocket did blow up, that was kinda cool