Rocket research notes

What are the three laws of motion?

Newtons 3 laws of motion were discovered in 1666, in 1686 these laws were
presented.
Newtons first law: Any substance that is in a stationery motion will remain in
that state of motion unless any type of external force is applied to that
substance. For example, ketchup is a Newtonian fluid that stays in the same
state unless an external force is applied to it.
Newtons second law: Any external force applied to an object changes its
velocity. For example, when a force is applied to a fast aeroplane in the
opposite direction, changes the velocity of the plane.
Newtons third law: There is an equal and opposite reaction to every force. For
example, when you jump of a spring board, the board springs back and forces
you into the air.

What are the basic elements of flight?

The basic elements of flight are drag, weight, thrust and lift
1. Thrust- This type of force moves an aircraft in the direction of the
motion. This is created with either a propeller, jet engine, or rocket. Thrust
is operated where air is sucked in and then pushed out in the opposite
direction.
2. Drag- this force acts reverse to the direction of the motion. This force
tends to slow the motion of an object. Friction and differences in air
pressure cause drag to act. The more surface area the object has, the more
drag affects the objects speed.
3. Weight- this force (weight) is caused by gravity. The weight of an object
is the force of gravity on the object.
4. Lift- lift is a force that holds an object in the air. For example, the wings of
an aeroplane produce lift which holds the plane up in the air. In a rocket,
the fins produce lift.
 ("NASA - The Four
Forces of Flight,"
n.d.)

Explain the aerodynamics that might affect your rocket

Thrust might affect the rocket because during lift-off, thrust is used to
overcome the weight of the rocket. Thrust is a force which moves through
the rocket. Thrust is generated through the propulsion system of the
rocket, in which through the application of Newtons third law. This force is
generated on the opposite direction to the acceleration. Both the lift and
drag forces act in the centre of the rocket. The aspects of a rocket also
affect the forces applied to it. The nose cones shape affects the amount of
air resistance that opposes the rockets motion. If there is less surface area,
there is a less amount of the drag effect. Therefore, the nose cones have a
point. The diameter of the rocket affects the rockets terminal velocity.
These 2 aspects of the rocket affect drag. The fins are essential for a rocket
because it provides stability for the rocket, allowing the rocket to maintain
its intended flight path. Having 3 fins on a rocket allows a low drag
performance being decreased by 25%. This makes sure that the flight speed
doesnt decrease.
What is terminal velocity?
Terminal velocity is where an object is falling through an atmosphere when
it is applied to 2 external forces. One is gravitational force which is weight and
the other is drag. Terminal velocity is the force of drag, gravitational and
weight applied to the object. In other words, terminal velocity is the maximum
speed/acceleration an object can go. Its where after a period of time, the
gravity of the rocket is balanced by the air resistance.
Gravitational potential energy mass x gravity x height

What is the formula for Kinetic Energy?

Kinetic energy is an energy an object possesses when it moves. All moving
objects have kinetic energy. For example, there are two balls on a table. One
heavy and one light. When they both fall into a bucket of water, the heavier
ball makes the bigger splash. Why? Both balls had potential and gravitational
energy as they were resting on a high table. Though, falling off the table,
converted the balls potential and gravitational energy into kinetic energy. The
heavier ball had the most kinetic energy! Other examples of Kinetic Energy
include a moving car, moving frisbee, and a moving disc.

Kinetic energy formula:

1
K.E. = mv2
2

List all components necessary to build a model rocket.

Nose cone
3D builder
Parachutes
Body tubes
Glue
Tape
Engines
Fins
Centring rings an and bulkheads
Shock cord
Motor hooks
Launch lugs
What are the main stages or rocket systems for building a rocket?
1. Assembling engine mount
2. Preparing fins
3. Marking tubes
4. Installing engine mount
5. Attaching fins and launch lug
6. Attaching the shock cord
7. Assembling and loading the recovery system. (Parachute made
from non-burnable material)
 What variations of model rockets exist?
The two main variations of model rockets are liquid and solid
rockets. These two categories are differentiated because of the
way the two rockets store their fuel and source of oxygen. In a
liquid rocket, the fuel and the oxygen needed for combustion are
stored separately and pumped into the combustion chamber
where the burning occurs. Though, in a solid rocket, the fuel and
oxygen are mixed together into a solid propellant and packed into
a solid cylinder.
What are the various sizes of black powder engines?
13mm
18mm
24mm
29mm
According to CASA, what regulations exist regarding the use of
model rockets?
5.3.1 A person must not launch a rocket that is not an aircraft in a
way that creates a hazard to an aircraft, person or property.
5.4.1 Despite the rules contained in Part 101, a person who wishes to
operate rockets must realize that there may be relevant State and
Territory rules governing the handling and use of rockets. These rules
may be in addition to CASA Part 101.
5.5.1 A person must not launch a rocket (including a model rocket) in
or over a prohibited area, or in or over a restricted area, except with
the permission of, and in accordance with any conditions imposed
by, the authority controlling the area.
What is the maximum height model rockets can reach without a
permit? What size rocket engine do you hypothesize will be used for
your project based on your knowledge from the previous questions?
The maximum height a model rocket can reach without a permit, is
400 feet. The size of my rocket engine might be an estimated
measurement of a 24mm diameter engine. The reason for this
measurement is that too much gun powder might blow up the model
rocket and less gun powder might not even send the rocket high
enough. The bigger the engine, the more chances of explosions
occurring.

References
https://www.chem.wisc.edu/deptfiles/genchem/netorial/modules/..
./energy/energy2.html
https://www.casa.gov.au/file/152406/download?token=O9xqaZBg
https://www.apogeerockets.com/Rocket_Motors/Estes_Motors
https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/rocket/rktengine.html
https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/rocket/rktengine.html
https://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/k-
4/features/F_Four_Forces_of_Flight.htm
https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/newton.html