NASA launch Launch day, April 2000 Parts & functions "But, how high did it go?" Aerodynamics PowerPoint Rocket Science Module Before beginning the module, be sure to print-out the workbook!
Rockets: introduction SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR Radar Topography Mission: mapping the earth You are about to watch a launch of Endeavour from Feb.11, As you watch, pay close attention to what the announcer says, and answer the questions on worksheet #1. HOME Click to start movie.
This video footage of the MRHS rocket launch was shot in April Of the three classes who launched, the record altitude was about 400ft. As you will see, many rockets didn’t go nearly that far. See if you notice something else which should have happened, but didn't for many of the rockets... HOME Click inside the box to begin!
Aerodynamics = the characteristics of the outer body of a vehicle, aircraft, etc., that effect the efficiency with which it moves through the air. The following pictures were taken from Click the space bar!
Because it's difficult to see whether air flows smoothly over an object, different methods are used to show the air's path. Here, oil- flow visualization is used to test the aerodynamics of the wing shape on this aircraft design. Can you see a potential problem area? Click the space bar!
The aerodynamic development of trucks in wind tunnels has had a major impact on truck fuel consumption. Here, a one tenth scale model illustrates the use of smoke flow visualization to see whether the truck's shape is aerodynamic. Where is the problem on this vehicle? Click the space bar!
In some sports, an aerodynamic body shape is important. This Canadian national ski team member is using a small wind tunnel to adjust her posture, and possibly shave seconds off her race time. Click the space bar!
Aeronautical engineers test their designs to make sure their shape is aerodynamic by testing small models first. This model of a NATO/AGARD generic fighter aircraft passed the test, and the full-size craft has been built. Click the space bar!
Models are used to test different aspects of flight operation. This model of a Bombardier Global Express aircraft is undergoing thrust-reverser simulation tests. Note the shape of the NOSE of this aircraft...does it remind you of anything? Click the space bar!
Should the junction between your nose- cone and rocket body be smooth? In this wind-tunnel test, air flow is illuminated in blue, and shows the formation of a vortex of air on either side of the test object. Click the space bar!
Before you go on to design your rocket fins and nose cone, answer the questions on worksheet #2. HOME
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Recovery device (plastic) Wadding (fire retardant material) Shock chord (elastic band) Thrust ring Launch lug (drinking straw) Engine clip (metal strip) Engine Eye screw
Recovery device (RD) - slows the descent of your rocket, and prevents it from being broken. Shock chord -connects the rocket ' s nose-cone to the body after deployment of the RD. Elasticity absorbs some of the force as the RD and nose cone are expelled. Eye screw - connects RD, nose cone, and shock chord. Wadding - added AFTER the rest of the rocket has been assembled. It protects the RD from burning. Thrust ring - prevents the engine from being propelled up through the body of the rocket during launch. Launch lug - threads onto guide wire on launch pad to position rocket for launch. Engine -controls rocket launch and flight. Engine clip - keeps engine from falling out of the rocket body. HOME Click the space bar!
HOME One way to gage your rocket ' s success on launch day is to calculate its final altitude. Use the red controls to watch the movie, and then do worksheet #4.
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