Rocket Hovering Equation: A Balance of Forces

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion presents a mathematical approach to the hovering equation of a rocket, focusing on the balance of forces involved. The key equation derived is R * Ve = (M - R * t) * g, where R represents the rate of mass ejected, Ve is the velocity of thrust, M is the initial mass of the rocket, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. The discussion emphasizes the importance of considering variable factors such as the changing mass of the rocket and the acceleration of air, suggesting that a more general solution could involve using differential calculus. Overall, the approach is deemed correct for a simplified model of a hovering rocket.

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  • Familiarity with basic calculus concepts, particularly derivatives
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  • Grasp of the concept of force balance in physics
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Biker
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I was just scrambling and thought of rockets. So I came up with an equation for (hovering).
Note: This might be totally wrong.
Okay so we have a rocket with fuel with a mass of M. There is gravity acting on it so I need a force to balance things out.

F - Mg = 0
F = Mg
What I have learned is every force come in pairs
So F = -Fthrust.
and F thrust = mair * a
so -(m(air)*a) = (m-mair)*g
^^ Because the rocket loses mass over time.
Lets call the rate of mass ejected R
-(R * t * a) = (M-R*t)*g
a = dv/t
a = (-Ve - v)/t ( Ve( velocity of thrust) is down and v(velocity of the rocket) is upward, I assumed up is positive and down is negative)
As it is hovering then the v of the rocket is equal to 0.
so a = -Ve/t
Now substitute that in.
-(R * t *-Ve/t) = (M-R*t)*g
R * Ve = (M-R*t)*g

Hmm I hope this is right :/
 
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If you over simplify a hovering rocket, your equations seems correct to me however there are some issues I want to to comment on.
If you do your calculations for an infinetisimal time interval it will be more general because in your notation you assumed that acceleration of air is constant and R is constant (in reality probably not). If you use dv and dt instead of v and t it will be more difficult to solve but more general.
Anyway for a simple object ejecting mass to hover in the air, your way of thinking seems correct.
 
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