B What is the formula for gravity loss on a rocket launch and how was it derived?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the formula for gravity loss during a rocket launch, highlighting that it incorporates gravitational acceleration (g) and the flight path angle (y). The gravity loss is derived from the gravitational force's component that affects the rocket's velocity, integrated over the entire flight duration. Participants emphasize the importance of considering the flight path angle, as acceleration perpendicular to the motion does not influence speed. Understanding this relationship is crucial for accurate rocket trajectory calculations. The conversation underscores the complexities involved in rocket dynamics and the significance of integrating various forces during flight.
Januz Johansen
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Hello all!
Lately i have been looking at many rocket equations, and i was wondering about the gravity loss on a rocket launch. I found the formula for the gravity loss
upload_2016-12-2_21-16-52.png

where g is of course the gravitational acceleration, and y is the flight path angle, but can somone explane why it looks like this? How has this been deduced?
Thanks
 
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It is the component of the gravitational force along the velocity of the rocket (=the component changing the velocity), integrated over the whole rocket flight time.
 
mfb said:
It is the component of the gravitational force along the velocity of the rocket (=the component changing the velocity), integrated over the whole rocket flight time.

Okay thanks
But why do we have to take the Angle into accound?
 
Acceleration orthogonal to the direction of motion does not change the speed.
 
mfb said:
Acceleration orthogonal to the direction of motion does not change the speed.
Okay thank you
 

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