λ+Lab+Report

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To build a stable model rocket that can withstand multiple launches, and launch it to gain a firsthand understanding of kinematics, forces, and vectors.

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To build the rocket we used:
 * Lego (nosecone)
 * Styrofoam
 * Corrugated cardboard
 * 1/2" PVC pipe
 * Cardstock
 * Hot glue
 * String
 * Popsicle stick
 * Elastic
 * Heavy speaker wire
 * Shopping bag
 * Masking tape
 * Bandsaw (more fun than scissors!)
 * Knife
 * Red paint
 * Glitter
 * Launchpad / ignition system
 * Estes Altitude Finder

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 * Cut bell end of PVC pipe to approx. length of engine.
 * Roll cardstock around engine mount to form body tube.
 * Hot glue engine mount into body tube.
 * Cut out 4 2"x1.5" rectangles of cardboard.
 * Hot glue fins to bottom of body tube, short side attached. Tape edges.
 * Push skewer through body tube, ~2" from top. Cut to length, secure with glue/tape.
 * Cut styrofoam to fit body tube snugly. Hot glue into nosecone.
 * Push small section of popsicle stick into nosecone, glue in place.
 * Cut large, flat circle from plastic bag. Poke 6 holes along circumference.
 * Attach each hole to shock cord with string.
 * Loop speaker wire around skewer, attach to shock cord.
 * Tie nosecone to shock cord.
 * Add red paint, glitter.

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 * Use double sided foam tape to secure rocket engine inside mount.
 * Insert igniter, plug into engine.
 * Place rocket on launch rod.
 * Push red (launch) button!
 * Record max. angle of rocket from 50m away.
 * Time the rocket to its max height.
 * Time the rocket from its max height to ground.
 * Retrieve damaged rocket.

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**Maximum Velocity**
M (mass of rocket) = 110g = 0.11kg Fa (B6 avg. thrust) = 6N T (B6 burn time) = 0.85s V1 = 0 V2 = ? A = ? D1 (distance under power) = ?

Fg = MA Fg = 0.11(9.8) Fg = 1.1N

Fnet = Fa - Fg __Fnet = 4.9N__

F = MA 4.9 = 0.11A __A = 45 m/s^2__

V2 = V1 + AT V2 = 0 + 45(0.85) __V2 = 38 m/s__

Maximum velocity of 38 m/s will occur just as the fuel is exhausted.

V2^2 = V1^2 + 2AD 1444 = 0 + 2(45)D1 1444 = 90D1 __D1 = 16m__

**Maximum Altitude** V1 = 38 m/s V2 = 0 Ag = -9.8 m/s^2 D1 = 16m D2 (distance coasting) = ? D (max. altitude) = ?

V2^2 = V1^2 + 2AD 0 = 1444 + 2(-9.8)D2 19.6D2 = 1444 __D2 = 74m__

D = D1 + D2 __D = 90m__

Assuming vertical launch and no air resistance, the rocket should achieve a 90m apogee.

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First Launch

 * Takeoff success || Yes ||
 * Controlled Takeoff || Yes ||
 * Recovery System Deployment || Partial ||
 * Damage || Light (one fin damaged) ||
 * Angle of Elevation || 45 degrees ||
 * Time Up || 5.76s ||
 * Time Down || 4.67s ||

Second Launch
We did not record as much data for the second launch. Additionally, we were unable to inspect our rocket after the second launch because it landed on the roof of the school (we think.) We do not know whether the parachute deployed since we lost sight of it before the deployment.
 * Takeoff success || Yes ||
 * Controlled Takeoff || Yes ||
 * Recovery System Deployment || Unknown ||
 * Damage || Unknown ||
 * Angle of Elevation ||= - ||
 * Time Up ||= - ||
 * Time Down ||= - ||

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Measured Data
Angle of elevation was measured from a point 50.m from the launch site, as illustrated by diagram below.
 * Angle of Elevation || 45 degrees ||
 * Time Up || 5.76 seconds ||
 * Time Down || 4.67 seconds ||

**Height** Since tan(45) = height/baseline height = baseline * tan(45) height = 50.m * 1 __height = 50.m__ **Average Ascent Velocity** D (height of rocket) = 50.m T (time up) = 5.76s V = ?

V = D/T V = 50.m / 5.76s __V = 8.7m/s__

**Average Descent Velocity** D (height of rocket) = 50.m T (time down) = 4.67s V = ?

V = D/T V = 50.m / 4.67s __V = 11m/s__

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Because our rocket flew in a stable manner, was launched a total of four times (two flight tests, two with the class) without serious damage, and we obtained good data from our testing, this activity was a success for our group despite issues with the recovery system.

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λ - Design - Performance Projections  - Materials - Time Line     Primary Launch -  Secondary launch - Analysis  - Conclusion    Lab Report