Rocket Science: Definition, Formula and Experiment

Rocket science is an important branch of aerospace engineering. Whereas in phrasal form rocket science is interpreted as something difficult or hard to handle.

• You've probably heard the statement "It is not rocket science" before.
• When someone says "It's not rocket science," they indicate that something isn't too difficult.
• Rocket scientists are brilliant individuals, yet rocket science is founded on principles that we understand.
• The same fundamental scientific principles and laws apply to both ISRO and NASA rockets and ordinary paper ones.
• Rocket science can be studied better by relating it to Newton’s third law of motion which states for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Key Terms: Rocket, Rocket science, Thrust, Rocket experiment, Oxygen, Newton’s laws of motion, Rocket formula, Fuels, Solid fuels, Liquid fuels, Velocity, Oxidizer.

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What is Rocket Science?

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Rocket science is a branch of aerospace engineering. In the modern world, it plays a very essential role.

• Rocket science has several applications, including satellite launch and ballistic missile testing.
• Rockets have existed since the first century, when the Chinese used to ward off evil spirits.
• Since then, the rocket has advanced significantly.
• Rocket propulsion is based on basic motion, and understanding it requires familiarity with Newton's Laws of Motion.

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Formula for Rocket Science

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The formula used in rocket science is known as the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation or the ideal rocket equation. The formula explains how vehicles move by accelerating and using their thrust to achieve high velocity, which is based on the conservation of momentum.

The equation is expressed as

\(\Delta v=v_{e}ln\frac{m_{0}}{m_{f}}=I_{sp}g_{0}ln\frac{m_{0}}{m_{f}}\)

Where, 

• m₀ is the  initial total mass which is also known as wet mass (with propellant)
• m_f is the final total mass which is also known as dry mass (without propellant)
• Δv is the maximum change of velocity of the vehicle
• v_e = I_spg₀ is the effective exhaust velocity
• g₀ is the standard gravity
• I_sp is the specific impulse in a dimension of time
• ln is the natural logarithm function

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What are the Fuels Used in Rocket?

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There are mainly two types of fuels that are used for the working of the rockets:

Liquid fuel

Liquid fuel is the widely used fuel in rockets. It comprises two things, fuel, and an oxidizer. The most commonly used fuel is liquid hydrogen and the most common oxidizer used is liquid oxygen.

Solid fuel

Solid fuels are used in a lesser quantity as compared to liquid fuels. The reason is its low efficiency and lack of control. Solid fuel also comprises two parts just like liquid fuel. The most commonly used solid fuel is ammonium nitrate.

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How does Rocket Fuel Burn in Space without Oxygen?

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As we know, rocket fuel is composed of fuel and oxidizer, which are ignited in the combustion chamber, causing the gasses to expand.

• The pressure in the gas hit harder at the top, propelling the rocket forward.
• The exhaust is expelled from the bottom, and the pressure here is lower.

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What Causes Thrust in a Rocket?

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The thrust produced by the rocket depends on three parameters, these are

• The exit velocity of the exhaust (v_e)
• The mass flow rate (\(\dot m\))
• The pressure at the nozzle exit (p_e)

The thrust of the system is given by the “thrust equation” i.e.

\(F = \dot mv_e (p_e - p_o)A_e\)

Where

• F is the thrust
• v_e is the exit velocity
• \(\dot m\) is the mass flow rate
• p₀ is the free stream pressure
• p_e is the exit pressure
• A_e is the area ratio of the throat to exit

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Rocket Experiment

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The rocket experiment is given below

Objective

The main aim or objective of the rocket experiment is to show that the experiments can be done using simple household items as well as the application of pressure.

Materials

The materials used in the experiment are:

• Paint or water coloring (Optional)
• A container of Water.
• A photo film canister.
• Blue- Tack, small piece
• A tablet (Alka Seltzer).

Procedure

The procedure would be:

• Remove the cap from a canister. Place the blue tack into the camera film canister.
• Now gently apply the Alka seltzer to the blue-tack.
• Add water to the canister. It should only be filled halfway up the canister.
• Close the lid tightly.
• You now have a fully loaded pocket rocket.
• Invert the canister (upside down) and then step back.

Result

Once the above operation is completed, carbon dioxide begins to be released when Alka Seltzer dissolves. Carbon dioxide emissions will gradually be increased. The camera film canister is sealed, therefore there is no way to escape. As a result, pressure will be produced inside the canister. Finally, it comes out.

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Things to Remember

• Rocket science is an important branch of aerospace engineering.
• Rocket propulsion is based on basic motion.
• The formula used in rocket science is known as the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation or the ideal rocket equation.
• There are mainly two types of fuel used in rockets: Solid fuel and Liquid fuel
• The most commonly used fuel is liquid hydrogen and the most common oxidizer used is liquid oxygen.
• The most commonly used solid fuel is ammonium nitrate.

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