Calculating Properties of a Bottle Rocket

In summary, you can calculate the initial time, the initial thrust, and the momentum of a water rocket by using the initial speed, the air pressure, and the mass of the rocket.
  • #1
Loismustdie
14
0
I was wondering if there was anyway for me to calculate pressure, velocity, momentum and more on a bottle rocket made by filling a 2 liter bottle full of water and pressurized and launched. If anyone could give me a link or explain it to me that would be very much appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Lets assume that the rocket reaches max speed in the first second and slows down after that. So if you shoot the rocket and mesure the time it takes to get to the ground then you can calculate the initial time using:
0 = V_i * t - 0.5*g*t^2
after finding V_i multiply by the mass of the rocket to get the momentum at the launch time.
 
  • #3
You can calculate the initial thrust at liftoff since you know the initial air pressure and area of the nozzle. Things get more complicated right away, because the pressure drops as water is expelled and the air volume expands, so the thrust begins to drop. The thrust is lifting lighter load as this happens, so the whole system is described by a set of coupled differential equations. The most accurate solution requires computer simulation.

There's a lot you can do without equations; here's one example
http://www.ast.leeds.ac.uk/~knapp/rockets/"

NASA has a complete self-guided course on water rockets that gives you principles, has you answer questions to help you understand, and includes animations along the way.
http://exploration.grc.nasa.gov/education/rocket/BottleRocket/index.htm"
You'll know a lot about operation and design of bottle rockets if you "Start Your Journey" and take courses 101-103.

Do a Google search on "water rocket equations" to find more technical discussions and simulations.

NASA's has a fairly advanced one that includes interactive simulations where you enter parameters for your rocket
http://exploration.grc.nasa.gov/education/rocket/rktbot.html"
and continue through the relevant equations by clicking on "Water Rocket--Next" on the bottom of each page.


Have fun!
 
Last edited by a moderator:

FAQ: Calculating Properties of a Bottle Rocket

What is the purpose of calculating properties of a bottle rocket?

The purpose of calculating properties of a bottle rocket is to understand and predict its flight characteristics, such as distance, height, and speed. This information is crucial for designing and optimizing the performance of the rocket.

What factors affect the properties of a bottle rocket?

The properties of a bottle rocket are affected by several factors, including the amount of water and air inside the bottle, the shape and size of the bottle, the design of the fins, and the launch angle.

How do you calculate the launch angle of a bottle rocket?

The launch angle of a bottle rocket can be calculated using trigonometry, specifically the tangent function. The angle can be determined by dividing the height of the launch tube by the length of the launch tube, and then taking the inverse tangent of that value.

What is the ideal amount of water and air to use in a bottle rocket?

The ideal amount of water and air to use in a bottle rocket depends on the desired flight characteristics. Generally, a higher amount of water and air will result in a higher launch angle and longer flight, while a lower amount will result in a shorter flight with a lower launch angle.

How can I improve the performance of my bottle rocket?

To improve the performance of a bottle rocket, you can experiment with different amounts of water and air, adjust the launch angle, and optimize the design of the fins. You can also try using different types of bottles and materials to see how they affect the flight properties.

Similar threads

Replies
20
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
839
Replies
47
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Back
Top