Engineering Velocity Decay Curve for a Rocket

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the initial velocity (A) of a rocket to ensure it travels 15 meters in 4 seconds, given the decay curve equation. The user initially set A at 14 but realizes this does not meet the distance requirement. They explore the possibility of using 10.22 as a new value for A, based on rearranging the equation with known variables. The key point is that with three knowns (distance, time, and decay constant), A can be solved as the unknown. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly rearranging the equation to find the desired initial velocity.
pete321
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Homework Statement
suggest a new initial velocity A of the rocket
Relevant Equations
$$\large \int_0^{t_L} A e^{\frac{-t}{\tau}} \text{d}t = A \tau \left( 1- e^{\frac{-t}{\tau}} \right)$$
I am trying to solve the problem below. I have previously calculated from 0 to 4 seconds how far the rocket will travel in each second. I am stuck now as to how to start this problem. I have searched but unable to find the answer. Do i need to rearrange this? A is currently 14 which does not get the rocket to travel 15m in 4 seconds. Once i know how to start this i want to solve on my own so i understand how to complete this.

The integral of the decay curve of the form:
$$Ae^{\frac{-t}{\tau}}$$ This can be expressed as follows:

$$\large \int_0^{t_L} A e^{\frac{-t}{\tau}} \text{d}t = A \tau \left( 1- e^{\frac{-t}{\tau}} \right)$$

$$a = 14$$

$$\tau = 1.6$$

$$ t = 4$$Given this information, suggest a new initial velocity A of the rocket, which will allow the rocket to travel 15m in the same time interval of 0 to t=4.
 
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Looks to me like you have an equation with 3 knowns (t, r, and distance) and 1 unknown (a). Can you solve for the 1 unknown?
 
Thank you for your reply. No this is where i am confused. Is A now 15. As when t is 4 seconds the distance will be 15 not 14? I just don't understand how to calculate this. I have been searching for hours with no luck
 
replacing 14 with 10.22 in the formula =15.0097. So would A be 10.22? If so just need to work out how to calculate it
 
pete321 said:
replacing 14 with 10.22 in the formula =15.0097. So would A be 10.22? If so just need to work out how to calculate it
Like I said, you have 3 knowns and 1 unknown.
D=Ar(1-e-t/r), and we know D, r, and t.
So you rearrange the equation to solve for A.
 
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