Rocket Experiment: Testing Thrust Using Angular Momentum Method

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a method for testing rocket thrust using a rotating plank and angular momentum principles. The proposed experiment involves firing the rocket while it is at rest on one end of the plank, with a counterbalance on the opposite end. Participants emphasize the importance of timing the period of oscillation post-launch to calculate thrust. Key equations related to angular momentum and velocity are necessary for accurate analysis, and participants seek guidance on how to derive these equations effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum principles
  • Basic knowledge of oscillation and period measurement
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Ability to perform calculations involving mass and velocity
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the equations of angular momentum and their applications in thrust calculation
  • Study the relationship between oscillation period and thrust in rotating systems
  • Explore methods for measuring the period of oscillation accurately
  • Investigate alternative low-cost thrust measurement techniques
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, physics students, hobbyist rocket enthusiasts, and anyone interested in experimental thrust measurement techniques.

FoxCommander
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Ok so What i am thinking of doing is testing the thrust of my rocket, I am thinking of doing it this way. I will have the rocket at one end of a rotating Planck and at the other end some counter balance. I will then fire the rocket of will its in the rest position, then when it is done accelerating i will then time the period of occilation.
Now i don't know if this will be enough information to generate an answer but I am hopin someone will help me, probably using agular momentum stuff, to determine the thrust.

If this is not can someone else show me a way i can do it without having to buy any equipment other than wood or something cheap
 
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FoxCommander said:
Ok so What i am thinking of doing is testing the thrust of my rocket, I am thinking of doing it this way. I will have the rocket at one end of a rotating Planck and at the other end some counter balance. I will then fire the rocket of will its in the rest position, then when it is done accelerating i will then time the period of occilation.
Now i don't know if this will be enough information to generate an answer but I am hopin someone will help me, probably using agular momentum stuff, to determine the thrust.

If this is not can someone else show me a way i can do it without having to buy any equipment other than wood or something cheap

What equations will you use to design your experiment?
 
Thats the part that I am stuck on, I would think that the final velocity of the object would be the same as if the rocket was to be shot off in a straight line but i know that there has to be something about angular momentum and velocities there. Do you have any idea on where to start once i have the time period, and time of thrust and all the other information given? such as length of radius and the masses?
 

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