Flight Profiles of Estes Alpha Model Rocket
Flight Profiles of Estes Alpha Model Rocket
This Demonstration simulates the flight of an Estes Alpha model rocket. The effect of air resistance is taken into account. The altitude and velocity at any time during the flight can be shown using a slider. The time window can be adjusted to focus, for example, on the early moments of the flight. The effect of air resistance is clearly seen in the velocity and altitude graphs. Three different rocket engines can be selected to illustrate the effect of changes in average thrust and thrust duration. The drag coefficient may be adjusted so that its effect may be seen. The time to parachute ejection is calculated and velocity and altitude at this time are plotted.