Rockets vs. The Campanile
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Transcript of Rockets vs. The Campanile
Rockets vs. The Campanile
Rocket Science and Physics
Background and HypothesisFunctions of rocketry were developed
through many years of trial and error
Hypothesis:
If we make a rocket that will fly higher than the Campanile, then the rocket’s center of mass will have to be located higher than the center of pressure.
What makes rockets fly?Thrust: Solid or liquid combustion must travel
straight down for rocket to fly straight up. This applies Newton’s Third Law of Motion
Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction
What makes rockets fly?Newton’s Second Law of Motion also applies
to rocketry
Newton’s Second Law of Motion: F=ma (Force=mass*acceleration)
In rockets, propellants make up to 90% of a rocket. In flight propellant is lost (m), so that acceleration increases(a)
What makes rockets fly?Flight Control:
Fins help stabilize rockets during flight, giving them direction. 3s and 4s (symmetrically separated) are most effective. 5 is too much drag.
Rocket Launcher:
Gives rocket initial direction and
thrust
MethodThe rocket launcher was built using following materials:
Wood Corner BraceMending Plate with
screwsGalv FLR Flange Rubber stopperMIP Hex Nipple (brassHigh pressure air hoseDowelCast Female Pipe Tee
(brass)
Hook and Loop Cable Tie
Barb Splicer
Rubber Bands
Pan head metal screws
Drill
Bicycle pump
Launch string
Steps for Launcher
Screw flange into wooden base
Attach each brass nipple to each end of the tee
Insert pressure air hose so that it goes through each end of the tee
Insert barb splicer into hole
Drill and stand wood block to base (use braces to sustain)
Drill wooden block on opposite end
Insert rod in wooden block
Attach clamps (should tighten bottleneck)
Wrap rubber bands on back end of the clamps
Wrap hook and cable tie to other end of clamps (after bottle is inserted)
Tie launch string to cable
Connect hose to a pump
Materials for Rockets2-Liter empty
plastic bottleCardboardHot Glue GunTapeScissors Clay Water
Steps for Rocket1) Cut out and tape cone to bottom end of
bottle
2) Cut out and attach (use hot glue gun) fins into upper end of the bottle
3) (Ran “string test” to test stability and direction of rocket)
Running the ExperimentThese were the steps taken in running our
experiment:Place rocket launcher right in front of Berkeley
CampanileFill up rocket with different amounts of waterInsert Rocket into rocket launcherInsert different quantities of pressureDetach string from hook and cable tieRecord (very roughly) how high each rocket went
(based purely on eyesight)
ResultsRocket Launch#1:
Volume: 70% total mass of bottle
Pressure: 50 psi
Height: 4th Window of the Campanile
ResultsRocket Launch #2:Volume: 75% total mass of bottlePressure: 80 psiHeight: Clock
ResultsRocket Launch #3:
Volume: 75% total mass of bottle
Pressure: 90
Height: TOP OF THE TOWER!!!!!!
ResultsRocket Launch #4:Volume: 65% total mass of bottle Pressure: 90Height: HIGHER THAN THE TOWER!!!!!!
AnalysisBecause our (Juan and Luis’) rocket had its
center of mass more obviously located above the center of pressure than the other rocket, our experiment supports the notion that this rocket setup is best.
Conclusion A rocket whose center of mass is higher
than the center of pressure is more likely to fly higher than one that is very roughly positioned equally or in which the center of pressure is located higher than the center of mass.
And the winner is…