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Rocket Lab Report

By: Samuel

For: Mr. Hendricks’ 4B Honors Physics Class

Academy for Math Engineering and Science

12-22-16
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Abstract

The experiment performed consisted of a rocket being launched from a pad, students measuring
the angle to the rocket from their position, and comparing the measured height to the predicted height.
Most of the rockets strayed from the intended path (straight up) and the measured height was not very
close to the predicted height. There were however, two cases that were within 10 meters of the
predicted height.

Table:

Predictions ½ A engine B6 engine C6 engine A8 engine

Red / Silver n/a ~77 meters ~190 meters ~31 meters
Red / Yellow n/a ~ 120 meters ~240 meters ~54 meters
Small White ~ 34 meters n/a n/a n/a
Actual ½ A engine B6 engine C6 engine A8 engine
Red / Silver n/a ~85 meters ~109 meters n/a
Red / Yellow n/a ~125 meters 155 meters n/a
Small White 97 meters n/a n/a n/a

Introduction

It has been several decades since the first man landed on the moon, and several more since the
math to achieve this task was developed. In a smaller and less complicated scale, model rockets can be
used to simulate a miniature launch. The experiment allowed for a student to predict the maximum
height of a model rocket, if the student was competent in some basic physics. This lab would allow a
student with the proper background to be able to apply concepts and formulas to a “real world”
problem. Some words crucial to having a clear understanding of the report are included below

1. Kinematics: study of the motion of objects without reference to its causes.

2. Dynamics: The study of forces and torques and their effect on motion

3. Impulse: the change of momentum of an object when the object is acted upon by a force for an

interval of time
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4. Momentum: the quantity of motion that an object has, or inertia in motion

5. Drag force: the sum of forces that act to oppose the motion of the object

6. Drag Coefficient: Drag force / Velocity2 it is a constant that is experimentally determined for an

object because different factors affect the drag coefficient.

The impulse/momentum theorem (F*∆t = ∆P ) is derived below:

Impulse = J and J = F * ∆t and Force is also equal to (m*a)

∆V
J = ma * ∆t a is also equal to
∆t

∆V
J=m * ∆t can be simplified to J = M * ∆V
∆t

J = m (Vf – Vi) And P = M*V

J = P f – Pi Final – intitial = ∆

J = ∆P ∆P = F * ∆t

Rocket engines come in different “sizes”. They are labeled in alphabetical order for the smaller
engines, and the next letter is stronger than the previous. An example would be a “C6-5”. The “C” stands
for the size, the 6 stands for the average thrust, and the “- 5” represents the delay time from when the
engine runs out of fuel and the parachute is ejected from the rocket. An “A” engine has an average
thrust of about 2.5 N*S, a “B” engine has about 5 N*S, a “C” engine has about 10 N*S, and so forth.

Physics is infamous for its really complicated math. Most of the math necessary to calculate the
impulse is surprisingly really complicated and a different approach is taken. “Numerical Iteration” is a
method of solving for area under a curve by approximations. The area under the curve is usually split
into small thin rectangles to help get a pretty close answer. This technique is necessary to be able to
predict the height, because without it, calculus would be the next tool to use, and a majority of the
students in the class do not possess a strong background in calculus if at all.
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Engine Thrust analysis

Materials


Digital Force Gauge ->
 Rail ->
 Model rocket igniter ->
 Mystery engine ->
 Instrument to record data (Ti-83 Calculator with dock)
o Connected to digital force gauge

The purpose of the lab was to gain a better understanding of impulse and collect data as a
function of time.

The data was collected when the engine went off, and the digital force gauge was pushed by the
force of the engine. The engine was triggered by the flipping of a switch on a current generator, which
then lit the engine. The engine then emitted a flame and a force that pushed on the sensor. The sensor
measured the data every 0.1 seconds and recorded the Newtons that were being exerted.

The Calculator used a program called Datamate. The program was set to collect data every 0.1
seconds, this would be run to collect 30 points in total with 10% of the points having occurred prior to
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the ignition of the rocket. The collection of the data would begin immediately if a trigger is not set up. A
trigger would allow the calculator to begin recording data as soon as several or a single condition is met.
The calculator was to record data if the change in force were to exceed or match -2 Newtons. The value
is negative due to the nature of the digital force gauge. A “pulling force” would return a positive result,
whereas a negative result would indicate a “pushing force”.

Promptly after setting the trigger threshold, set up the program to prestore 10% of the data,
make sure important data is not lost. Then, rezero the sensor and the program is ready to begin.

The rocket engine is ignited by wires with phosphorus and a battery. The wires run to the
opening of the engine, and are held in place by a stopper. A battery sends a current through the wires,
which then lights the phosphorous coated on the wire, and finally ignites the engine.

Results

Time 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9

(Seconds)

Force 0 0 0 1.3 4.6 9.5 5.7 4.3 4.1 4.1

(Newtons)

Time 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9

Force 4.2 4.2 4.1 3.9 3.8 3.7 3.6 3.6 3.5 3.5

Time 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3

Force 3.5 3.4 3.4 0

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Force (Newtons)
10

6
Newtons

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
-2
Time

The impulse can be found by finding the area under the curve. The area under the curve
is equal to Time * Newtons, or Length * Height. Using Rectangles each with a base of 0.1
seconds, and varying heights (Newtons) adding the area of all the smaller rectangles will give a
rough estimate as to the area under the curve. The Area under the curve was found to be 8.2,
and although it does not perfectly match any of the engine types (A, B, C, D, E, etc.) this value is
closest to C, which has an impulse of 10Ns. Average thrust was determined by adding all the
values from the point of ignition (0.3 seconds) to the end (2.3 seconds), and then dividing by
the amount of points (20). The average thrust is about 4.1. This may differ slightly from the
results because when the engine was set off, it veered slightly off the intended path of the track
and some of the force was not focused directly on the gauge.

So, in conclusion, the data points towards a C engine. The engine is likely a C-6 engine
because its impulse rounds up to be about ten making it a C engine. From the list of choices,
only a C-6 engine is a “C” engine.

Drag Force
Equipment:

1. Wind tunnel
2. Model rocket
3. Protractor

Set up:
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1. The wind tunnel houses the rocket within a chamber.

2. The rockey is suspended inside the wind tunnel with a string, and the change in degrees from

the rockets initial position is measured with a protractor found withnin the chamber.
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3. The wind tunnel as it is would generate a lot of turbulance without a honeycomb screen to
“straighten” the air flow. This is s”straight wind” is called Laminar flow. It allows for the test to
be consistent.

The purpose of the lab was to determine the drag coefficient of the rocket. It is necessary to know
the Drag coefficient to be able to accurately predict the rocket’s height. The drag coefficient is a force
that acts in the direction opposite the thrust of the engine and will limit its potential height. Through
various experiments, it was found that the force of air resistance on an object is proportional to the
square of its velocity, and the drag coefficient is just a constant. This can be represented by the
equation: Fdrag = K*v2 although the drag force may seem almost insignificant at lower speeds, it has an
exponential growth and will make a big difference at higher speeds, this is shown in the “Air resistance”
sub-section of the Numerical Model section. Several factors affect how large or small the drag
coefficient is. Factors such as size, shape, and surface texture all affect the drag on the rocket. The size
or length of the rocket will change how much turbulence it creates while it flies through the air, as well
as the size of the fins. A rounded, sleek design will have a lower Drag coefficient, than a blocky awkward
shape. This is because in a rounded shape, there will not be as many things present to stop or get in the
way of the air as it travels over the surface. In a blocky shape with corners, the air will cause turbulence
when it is going back down at such a sharp drop off, whereas a rounded design can guide and almost
manipulate how the air will flow on the surface. A smooth surface also makes it easier for air to simply
flow, rather than a rough texture which would only make it so that it would be forced to find a path with
minimal resistance. This property has been observed and modifications, on everyday items such as cars,
have been implemented. If a car has to exert less force to be able to travel the same distance, the car
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becomes more fuel efficient. Even a small change, such as changing the handles from a blocky shape to
be more discrete (slightly sunk into the curves of the vehicle) and smooth.

Procedure:

1. Turn on the wind tunnel and wait for the rocket to stabilize in the wind

a. This means it should not take a lot of effort to read an angle from the protractor

2. Record the angle

3. Turn off wind tunnel to run the next trial

4. Repeat 1-3 until a minimum of 3 trials have been recorded

Free body Diagram:

Wind
Tension

Drag Force

Gravity (mg)
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Drag force derivation:

ϴ Tension
T cos ϴ

Drag Force

T sin ϴ

Gravity (mg)

Positive Directions

∑F=ma for all forces in both the vertical and horizontal

∑F=ma Horizontal
Because the rocket was not moving, its acceleration was 0, and that sets the entire equation to

∑F = 0
The forces in the horizontal direction include a positive Fd and a negative T sin ϴ, which can be rewritten
as: Fd = T sin ϴ

∑F=ma Vertical

The forces in the vertical direction include a positive ( T cos ϴ ) and a negative ( mg) all equal to zero
because the object is not accelerating. This can be rewritten as
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T cos ϴ = mg

Finding Fd

The horizontal equation can then once again be rewritten to find “T”. The equation is:

T = mg / cos ϴ

T can then be substituted in the equation Fd = T sin ϴ which simplifies to

𝑚𝑔 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜭
Fd = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜭

Final touch

Using trig identities sin/cos is equivalent to tan so the simplest form of the equation can be written as

Fd = mg Tan 𝜭

Drag force equation:

The equation 𝐹𝑑 = 𝐾𝑑 × V 2 was determined experimentally and if rewritten to find 𝐾𝑑 , then

𝐹𝑑
𝐾𝑑 =
V2

𝑆2
If the numbers are then plugged in, the Drag constant is about 4E-4 𝑁 ∗ ( ).
𝑀2

 The ping pong ball was about 5E-4 N,

 Due to the inability to test one of the rockets that will actually be launched ( The rocket was too
large to fit inside the wind tunnel), an educated guess must be made
o The larger rocket is longer, has a slightly larger diameter than the ping pong ball, and
the wings are large enough to affect the drag. So, a slight increase would be expected
𝑆2
leading one to believe it will be near 6E-4 𝑁 ∗ ( ).
𝑀2
o These assumptions may be inaccurate and lead to incorrect predictions.

Table:

-Measured angles for the rocket while the wind tunnel was running and other data

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Average Wind tunnel speed Average Rocket Mass
Angle

30 30 degrees 35 degrees ~31.6 ~30 meters / second ~32 degrees 0.061 Kg

degrees degrees
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Numerical Model

Columns:

The time was measured with a timer on the calculator dock. Thrust was calculated with the
digital force gauge. Average Thrust could be found by, adding the previous thrust and Current
thrust, then dividing by two. The drag force would take the Kd (Drag Coefficient) and multiply it
by the previous final velocity. Average Net force could be found by taking the Average Thrust
and subtracting the “negative” forces (mass * the acceleration due to gravity and the drag
force). Then, the Average Net Impulse would be found by multiplying Average net force by the
change in time. The change in time = current time – previous time. The Initial Velocity can be
found by looking at the last rows final velocity. The trickiest calculation would be the final
velocity. This would be calculated using this equation:

Final Velocity : ((Average net force * Change in time) + ( Mass * Initial Velocity)) / (Mass)
Note: Mass = Mass of Rocket + Mass of engine

Average Velocity would be adding the Initial Velocity with the final velocity and dividing by two.
Initial Height would be the previous final height. The final height would be the initial height plus
whatever distance the rocket travels after that point. The extra distance is the average velocity
multiplied by the change in time. The “Final time” column represents the time passed since
start of the experiment.

Predicted heights:

The predicted final height for the rocket would the highest final height, or the largest
number in column 11. Anything past that value is lower in height and not needed.

Predictions ½ A engine B6 engine C6 engine A8 engine

Red / Silver n/a ~77 meters ~190 meters ~31 meters
Red / Yellow n/a ~ 120 meters ~240 meters ~54 meters
Small White ~ 34 meters n/a n/a n/a
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Free body Diagram

Thrust

Drag force

MG

Air resistance

A lack of air resistance would mean one less force to act upon the rocket, and it would be able
to farther. To simulate a lack of air resistance, the Drag Coefficient would be changed to zero in all the
equations. If air resistance is ignored at a low speed, it may not affect the calculations too much, but if it
is ignored at high speeds, there is a big difference in predicted heights. Take the Red / Yellow rocket
with a C6 engine. The predicted height with air resistance would have been ~239 meters, but without air
resistance, that number shoots up to ~983 meters. This is the difference of over half a kilometer, which
is a significant distance. The calculation with air resistance will give a far more accurate prediction. The
drag coefficient is also not the most accurate value, due to it only being one significant figure. When the
red/yellow rocket was launched with a C-6 engine, and the drag coefficient was put into the excel sheet,
it spit out a number. The drag coefficient could have actually been anywhere within 5 E-5. When this
amount is added or subtracted, the gap between maximum heights are roughly 34 meters. This means
that the predicted height is accurate within about + or – 17 meters.
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Spreadsheet examination

Each engine will have its own specific amount of fuel. The limited amount of fuel burns for a
limited amount of time, and will run out. In order to save the rockets for future use, a parachute can do
wonders to protect it. To find out how much time should pass before it is released is simple. First, a
closer look at the table will reveal that the engines do not burn past two seconds. A parachute will
decrease the final height if shot off early, so, it is best to release it soon after the rocket reaches its
highest point. Once the highest point is found on the graph, the time should be noted, and the
difference between the highest point and when the fuel runs out, it will give an estimate of how long
the parachute must be delayed to avoid the parachute making the potential height smaller. With the C6-
5 engine, there would be a 5 second delay from when the engine stopped burning and when the
parachute would pop out. With the calculations from the spreadsheet for a red/yellow rocket with a C6
engine, the maximum height would be reached at about 7 seconds, and the fuel would stop burning at
around 2. This leaves about a 5 second delay. While it may be coming close, it would still give enough
time for the rocket to reach its highest point without the parachute affecting its course.

Flight Results
Preparing the rocket for launch was a bit more work than it would seem at first glance. In order
to make sure the rocket would have a successful launch, certain steps were taking beforehand. The first,
would be to insert wadding into the rocket. The “wadding” is actually paper that has been treated with
certain chemicals to become fire retardant. This ability to withstand the intense heat is what allows the
parachute to remain intact when it is ejected, rather than having it melt or even catch on fire. The base
or the launch pad was made of metal, so an extra step needed to be taken to ensure the current would
be able to light the wires. An old CD was placed underneath the pad in order to keep the current going
on its intended path. After inserting the rocket engine, and placing the igniter inside the hole in the
bottom of the engine, a plug was put over the engines hole to prevent the igniter from falling out. The
igniter’s wires were connected to a battery that was manually operated. Once the knob was turned, the
current was flowing through the wire, which would then light the rocket’s engine.

The launch of the rocket was the simple part, finding out the height of the rocket would be the
more difficult side of this lab. One way to find the height of the rocket would be to make a giant triangle
and use trig ratios to calculate the height of the rocket. With trig ratios, only one distance and one angle
would be necessary. The angle however, would need to be taken from several locations as to be able to
account for sideways motion of the rocket. Three different positions on the circle, each at 50 meters or
about 164 feet from the center. Several angle measurements from different positions are necessary if
the rocket does not follow a straight path upwards. When it goes off the intended path, it will either
slightly increase or decrease the angle measured. If only one angle was recorded, it would be inaccurate
to use to determine the height of the triangle. If several measurements were made, they could be
averaged and the average would help remove the previous error. This distance from the center of the
circle to the protractor is also the bottom leg for the triangle.
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Although in theory the steps would work beautifully, there is still the issue of human error. The
angles were measured by students who did not have the best or most accurate tools. A difference of a
degree is significant to result in an answer difference of several meters. It would have also been a bit
difficult to get it really accurate with the sun in the student’s eye, or even just aiming the “protractor” at
the rocket.

Set up:
Arial View

This rocket was photographed as it took off

and it’s nearly vertical path stays this way for

only a short time. Usually, the rocket will begin

to curve over time.

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Tan ϴ = (Sin ϴ) / Cos ϴ or Tan ϴ = Y / d

When the equation solves for Y, Y = Tan ϴ * d

The final height for the rocket would be Y + 1.5 meters. The 1.5 meters are added because the
protractor is not directly on the ground, but about 1.5 meters above it and this height must be added to
calculate the final height.

Example:
Red Silver B- 6 , Angle was ~59, so (tan (59)) * (50) = about 83.2 m, but then you add the 1.5
meters and the final answer is about 84.7 which rounds to ~85 meters
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Set up of realistic triangle:

Although the formula stays the same, the curved path of the rocket means for an inaccurate
measurement of the angle. If several are taken, the opposite side will read a larger angle, and the
average should be near the actual angle.

Tables:
Angle 1 Angle 2 Angle 3 Average Actual Height Predicted Height
Red Silver 58 58 61 59 85 77
B
Red 64 71 68 68 125 117
Yellow B
Red (bad ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
trial)
Red 68 67 82 72 155 239
Yellow C
Small 61 65 61 62 97 34
white ½ A
Red Silver 61 70 64 65 109 186
C
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This rocket is beginning to curve it and go off it’s intended

path

Conclusion and Reflection

Table Actual Height Predicted Height
Red Silver B 85 77
Red Yellow B 125 117
Red (bad trial) ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Red Yellow C 155 239
Small white ½ A 97 34
Red Silver C 109 186

The two highlighted trials are the ones that were close to the predicted height (within about ten
meters). The rest of the trials were a bit off. A trial like in the red yellow C, could be caused by error in
angle measurements, the curved path it took while flying, or even that the drag coefficient was no
longer good enough to accurately predict its height. The angle measurements were how the actual
height was calculated and incorrect angles would lead to an incorrect height. If the rocket’s path was too
curved, like in the “bad trial”, then the data that would have been collected could not be interpreted
correctly since the spreadsheet was designed so that the path of the rock was vertical. The drag
coefficient may also be a little less influential with the smaller engines, but not with a powerful “C”
engine. The C engines definitely were not within the ten meter tolerance, which could have been solely
due to an inaccurate drag coefficient. To improve the experiment, it would be better to run multiple
trials where there would eventually be an average that shows. Using better tools than a printed
protractor to measure the angles would definitely help remove some error in the measurements. One
major improvement would be to launch in an area where the air is still, and won’t affect the path of the
rocket unexpectedly.
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I personally feel like I can reason through the problems to come up with equations. Free body
diagrams used to be a struggle because of the forces that I used to forget to write down. This project
solidified how forces affect the momentum of an object. I also feel more confident in my ability to use
physics in a “real world” situation, where I can use and apply this new knowledge. Some of the
difficulties I encountered were; lack of information, calculation errors, formatting errors, and simply
finding the time to do the report. The drag coefficients for the rockets were not available on the
website, and were not in my notes, so I asked my peers. I was able to catch calculation errors when
numbers seemed too large or too small. It also made me think through every step to understand why I
was doing a certain operation. Mixing word, excel, and google docs did not go well for me. Any
document that could not be formatted onto another platform was simply left as is and added to the
report after. The main document with this problem being the sample spreadsheet. There was however a
compromise with time, I’ve missed out on a lot of sleep to get this semi-decent report in on time.