Rocket Research

Q1) What are the three laws of motion?

A: The laws of motion was first invented by Sir Isaac Newton in 1686. The first law states
that every force rests in uniform motion straight line unless another force other than
itself is compelled to change it. This law basically states that a force without any net force
will remain or keep a constant velocity. This is also known as inertia. An example of this is if
a table cloth is pulled quickly from underneath dishes, the dishes will remain still providing
the friction from the movement is not to great.
The second law states that the velocity of a force changes when another is subjected upon
that force. A sum used in this explanation is Force = Mass x Velocity. The change in the
velocity of a force depends on the mass of that object. A force will cause a change in velocity
and counter wise, a change in velocity will generate a force. An example of this is a rocket
requiring less thrust as it burns up fuel.
The third law states that, for every action in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
For example, if object A exerts a force on object B, then object B exerts the same force in
reverse on object A. An example of this is firing a gun. The action is the forward force on the
bullet and the reaction is the backwards force on the gun (recoil.)

Q2) What are the basic elements of flight?

A: The four forces that affect things that fly include: weight, lift, thrust and drag. Quite
simply, weight is caused by gravity, and happens in a down-ward direction. Lift is the force
that keeps things in the air. Thrust propels a machine in the air and drag is basically an
anchor that slows things down.
Q3) Explain the aerodynamics that might affect your rocket?
A: The first thing that could affect the rockets aerodynamics, is weight. Weight is caused
by gravity. This force acts in a down-ward direction or towards the centre of the Earth.
The second thing that could affect the rockets aerodynamics is lift. Lift is the force that
keeps things in the air. The air flowing around the rocket counteracts the force of weight.
Another force that affects the rockets aerodynamics is thrust. Thrust is the force that
propels a flying machine through the air. This force counteracts drag.
The last force that affects aerodynamics of a rocket, is drag. Drag acts as an anchor to slow
down the object that is airborne. When these forces are balanced, the object flies at a level
direction. Friction can be thought of as drag aerodynamically. Drag could affect the rocket
because of the friction skin between the molecules of / in the air rubbing against the surface
of the model rocket. A smooth, waxed exterior on the rocket will provide less friction than
that of a rough surface. Therefore, the softer the exterior of the rocket, the less
drag/friction the rocket will experience.

Fins: The shape, size, weight and number of fins decided for the rocket, can affect the flight
path, time and angle of the rockets journey (in the air). If a rocket was to go without fins
upon launch, the rocket would soon plummet back to Earth after leaving the launcher. The
body to fin ratio suggests that the fin can be of the length of the tube and can go down
1/20 of the body.

Probably the best shapes for fins are either the clipped delta

Three fins are best when designing a high performance, low drag rocket. This
allows interference drag (drag caused by interference of the airflow over the body
and fins at the junction) to be reduced by 25 percent.

Q4) What is terminal velocity?

A: Terminal velocity is where the gravity is balanced by the air resistance. There is no
external force and the object will reach a steady speed, called terminal velocity.

Egp = m*g*h Where m equals mass and h = height

Q5) What is the formula for kinetic energy?

A: Kinetic energy can be found in the equation:
Ek = * m * v^2 Where m equals mass and v = velocity

Energy is measured in joules

Extra: Kinetic energy is basically the energy of motion. If an object is moving either
horizontally or vertically, it has kinetic energy. Vibrational the energy that is of vibrational
movement rotational the energy that is of rotational movement and translational
the energy that is of movement from one location to another. An increase in speed will in
turn create an increase in kinetic energy

Q6) List all the components necessary to build a model rocket

3D Printer
Black powder engine
Fins balsa wood and Stanley knife
Fire retardant
Fishing line (string for parachute)
Google Sketch-Up
Launcher
Nose Cone
Parachute
Sander
Stanley knife
Tube
Q7) What are the main stages or rocket systems for building a
rocket?
A:
1. Know what the rocket needs to do. How high is the rocket to go, and what the rocket
is meant to do. This step will help with the design stage of building a rocket as it will
specify as to what diameter or scale the rocket must be.

2. Start designing or attempting to draw the beginnings of the rocket. The more
designs created the more options available to use as the finished product.

3. Choose the blueprint or design that is the best. With this design, then progress to
build that rocket based on, and tweaking, the original thoughts. Once the design is
complete, launch the rocket, and if it fails repeat the process and look for errors in
the design.

Q8) What variations of model rockets exist?

A:
Engines: There are two main types of model rockets engines. Liquid and solid
rockets. A liquid rocket uses the fuel and source of the oxygen necessary for
combustion is pumped into the nozzle
Compressed Air Rocket - This type of rocket uses compressed air to launch the rocket into
the air. The rocket is hooked up to a pump through a tube. The rocketeer will step on the
bag which rushes the air to the rocket, sending it into the air. A typical compressed air rocket
can reach a height of about 200 feet.

Rockets:

Water Rocket - This type of rocket uses water and air for its propulsion. Many science classes
will make these because they are cheap and the materials are easy to come by. The builder
will usually make these out of a two-litre bottle which is filled with water and compressed
air. The compressed air will shoot the water out the bottom of the bottle which will propel
the rocket upwards.
Model Rockets - These are the most popular types of rockets and range in size, colors, and
materials. Model rockets are scaled down versions of actual rockets, and some of prototype
rockets. These rockets are often constructed out of wood or other plastic materials which
are far more safe compared to metal. These rockets are launched using rocket
engines which is filled with a combustible material. The rocket engine then has a second
charge that release the parachute, or recovery system, allowing the rocket to return to earth
safely. A rocket using rocket engines can reach heights over a thousand feet, depending on
the size of the rocket motor.
Q9) What are the various sizes of black power engines?
A: Black powder engines can come in many sizes. The most common include:
1.1 Model rockets may be classified by the kind of motors that propel them. The pyrotechnic
propellant used in commercial model rocket motors is either black powder or composite based.
1.2 DOCEP groups model rocket motors into three different types according to size as shown in
Table 1.

Type of Motor NEQ of Motor

Small Black powder
<15 g
motors
Medium Black > 15 g and composite
powder motors motors <85 g
Large Composite
> 85 g <325 g
motors
Table 1 - Classification of rocket motors

Extra: Black powder propellant is also known as gun powder. However, black powder is
different from the powder used in machines and is much safer. Black powder is formed into
the propellant for the rocket when it is pressed into a machine that forms a thing called a
nozzle. This creates a solid form of fuel. A delay composition caps it off and then an ejection
charge is added.

Q10) According to CASA, what regulations exist regarding the use of

model rockets?
A: Regulations:
1. Size Only lightweight, non-metal materials can be used for the nose cone, body
and fins of the rocket.
2. Motors Only commercially-made model rocket motors can be used and they
cannot be used for purposes other than what is recommended by the manufacture.
3. Ignition The rocket will be launched by an electrical launch system and electrical
motor igniters. The safety interlock will be in series with the launch switch that
returns to the off position when the rocket has been released.
4. Misfires If the rocket doesnt launch after the electrical launch button has been
pressed, the launchers safety lock will be removed or the battery will be
 disconnected. 60 seconds will be waited before allowing people to approach the
rocket.
5. Launch Safety A countdown should be used before the launch and all bystanders
should be warned and paying attention. Also, all bystanders should be standing 5-9
metres away from the rocket upon launching.
6. Launcher The rocket should be launched from a launch rod, tower or rail that has
been pointed 30 degrees of the vertical so that the rocket flies at a near vertical. A
blast deflector will be used to prevent the motors exhaust from hitting the ground.
7. Size The rocket should not weigh more than 1,500 grams at lift-off and will not
contain more than 125 grams of propellant.
8. Sight safety Rockets should not be launched at targets, into the clouds or near
airplanes and no flammable or explosive payload should be added to the rocket.
9. Launch site The rocket must be launched outdoors, in an open area and in safe
weather conditions. Wind speeds on the day of launch must not be more than 32km
an hour. No dry grass should be near the launching point to prevent a grass fire.

Q11) 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?

A: A model rocket is allowed to reach heights of around 400 ft which is equivalent to

121.92 metres.

However, if launching a model rocket is launched in a controlled air space

or an aerodrome, there are other height restrictions to take into account.

(B) https://ausrocketry.com.au/motors/single-use/black-powder/b6-4-5.html

This website contains the information on all rocketry black engines available. It is an
Australian website and it contains the maximum amount of all measurements allowed
and it gives the information of what the engine contains.
Q12) Bonus Question!
A: Space-X successfully launched and landed two Falcon 9 rockets within the time
frame of 48 hours. A failed attempt was first conducted, however, the two rockets
ended up successfully landed vertically on a marine barge in the sea.