The toy model rocket is used extensively as an example of a realistic physical system. Teachers from grade school to the university level use them. Many teachers and students write computer programs to investigate rocket physics since the problem involves nonlinear functions related to air resistance and mass loss. This paper describes a nonlinear eight-parameter function that correctly models the thrust profile for model rocket engines. Examples are given for commonly used Estes rocket engines.
REFERENCES
1.
Robert A.
Nelson
and Mark E.
Wilson
, “Mathematical analysis of a model rocket trajectory, Part I
,” Phys. Teach.
14
, 150
–161
(March 1976
).2.
David
Keeports
, “Numerical calculation of model rocket trajectories order
,” Phys. Teach.
28
, 274
(May 1990
).3.
Stephen A.
Widmark
, “Rocket physics
,” Phys. Teach.
36
, 148
(March 1998
).4.
Gerald M. Gregorek, “Aerodynamic drag of model rockets,” ESTES, TR-11 Model Rocket Technical Report.
5.
http://www.esteseducator.com.
6.
http://www.thrustcurve.org.
7.
Louis H. Hertz, The Complete Book of Model Aircraft Spacecraft and Rockets (Crown Publishers Inc., New York, 1967), p. 141.
8.
G.A.F. Seber and C.J. Wild, Nonlinear Regression (Wiley, New York, 1988), p. 338.
9.
http://www.originlab.com.
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2007 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2007
American Association of Physics Teachers
AAPT members receive access to The Physics Teacher and the American Journal of Physics as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.