Suggestions about beginning with Rocket Science

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around suggestions for individuals interested in beginning their journey in rocket science and aerospace engineering. Participants share their backgrounds, inquire about resources, and discuss potential educational paths, including books and clubs related to rocketry and aviation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to learn about rockets and unmanned aircraft, seeking recommendations for books and resources.
  • Another participant asks about the original poster's (OP) background and current educational status, suggesting local hobby model rocketry clubs as a starting point.
  • The OP mentions studying mechanical engineering and a desire to specialize in space and aviation, specifically referencing a book on aircraft design by Daniel P. Raymer.
  • Some participants suggest that aerospace engineering is a subset of mechanical engineering and recommend taking courses related to fluid dynamics, combustion, and propulsion.
  • A younger participant in 8th grade shares their interest in rocket science after watching documentaries and seeks guidance on books and activities.
  • Recommendations include reading "Introduction to Flight" by John Anderson and joining local rocketry clubs, as well as engaging with simulation games like Kerbal Space Program with realism mods.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of foundational knowledge in mechanical engineering for pursuing aerospace interests, but there are varying suggestions regarding specific resources and activities to pursue.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions reference the educational paths available, including the absence of an aeronautical engineering program at the OP's university, which may limit specialized study options.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in aerospace engineering, rocketry enthusiasts, students considering a career in space and aviation, and those seeking resources for learning about these fields.

kdrdgn07
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Hello everyone. I want to be interest in rockets. How I begin? Which books are I have to read? I'm also interesting with aircraft. Especially unmanned aircrafts. I have a little bit aerodynamic infrastructure. I'm waiting your answers. Thank you.
 
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What is your background so far? What year are you in school? Is there a local hobby model rocketry club at your school or nearby? :smile:

http://www.artapplewhite.com/hotroc/boyscouts.jpg
boyscouts.jpg
 
berkeman said:
What is your background so far? What year are you in school? Is there a local hobby model rocketry club at your school or nearby? :smile:

http://www.artapplewhite.com/hotroc/boyscouts.jpg
boyscouts.jpg
I'm studying mechanical engineering but My interest in area is space and aviation. I love dealing with space and astronomy and I want to work these areas. It's not hobby. I want to specialize in these areas.
 
kdrdgn07 said:
I'm studying mechanical engineering but My interest in area is space and aviation. I love dealing with space and astronomy and I want to work these areas. It's not hobby. I want to specialize in these areas.
So you are in university now? Does the university have an Aeronautical Engineering program?
 
berkeman said:
So you are in university now? Does the university have an Aeronautical Engineering program?
No. As ı said I am studying mechanical engineering. Unfortunately It hasn't. I am related with these areas. I am studying "Aircraft Design" book, (author: Daniel P. Raymer) and I want to specialize about rockets.
 
The good news is that aerospace engineering is really just a subset of mechanical engineering, so you are in the right track. Your university almost certainly has a course for compressible flow, so make sure you take that, as it will explain a lot about the fluid dynamics involved with rockets. If they have any other electives like combustion or propulsion, just take those. As long as you can take a few suitable electives, aerospace companies will need just as many mechanical engineers as they do aerospace engineers. Alternatively, you could go to graduate school elsewhere for aerospace engineering.
 
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I'm in 8th-grade rn. I watched a few documentaries that encouraged me to go into the field of rocket science. Please tell me what books I'm supposed to read and what to do
 
Dani M said:
I'm in 8th-grade rn. I watched a few documentaries that encouraged me to go into the field of rocket science. Please tell me what books I'm supposed to read and what to do
Welcome to PF. :smile:

Are there any amateur rocket clubs in your area? Just as we told the Original Poster above (the person who started this thread a few years ago), joining a rocket club can be a great first step in this field.
 
OP, You should read "Introduction to Flight" by John Anderson. It might be a bit simple given your MechE background, but it also contains a lot of the history of aerospace engineering

Dani M said:
I'm in 8th-grade rn. I watched a few documentaries that encouraged me to go into the field of rocket science. Please tell me what books I'm supposed to read and what to do
Besides joining your local rocketry club, you might consider playing Kerbal Space Program, and getting the Ferram Aerospace mod, and other realism mods. Anything more advanced is going to require lots of math (check out the art of problem solving books)
 

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