Solid-fueled model rocket

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The objective of this project was to experiment with a solid-fueled model rocket, in order to learn basic mechanics of a rocket. Our main goal is to launch and recover the model rocket and calculate its maximum height, velocities, coastal time, descent time and burnout time, altitudes, etc. Model rockets as well as real rockets are subject to four forces: drag, thrust, weight and lift. As the rocket gets higher in the atmosphere the sum of the forces become less due to the fact that space is like a vacuum and there is no friction. Since our model rocket will not reach outer space we do not have to worry about the aerodynamic forces depend on air density. The drag force is opposite from the location of motion because it is created by air friction. Lift in the other hand is perpendicular to motion. Both lift and the drag act on the center of pressure of rocket causing it to rotate through the center of gravity. This is why the design of a model rocket is very important and since the fins are one of the most important aspects of the rocket we decided to test two types of fins to see which one was the most effective. Two of our members, Andrew and Kevin sanded their fins to create smooth airfoil fins. While Oscar and Quinn, had unsanded squared fins. The fins help the rocket be stable and prevent any wondering off which may cause any problems. Before the rockets were ready to launch our team prepared themselves to prevent any mistakes that might occur in the field and while in the field we collected more data such as the mass of rocket with unburned engine and burned engine, length, time for the rocket to reach maximum altitude and time. Furthermore with these measurements we were able to calculate a more accurate parachute drag coefficient, and solve for thrusting, coasting, and descending, see the table below for more information. The numbers might not coincide with

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