Water Rocket Simulation

To design rocket systems for a given purpose, or to reach an altitude goal, we needed a computer simulation. A simulation can help decide when to deploy the parachute or when to start the second (or third!) stage (someday.) We have developed such a simulation for our water rocket design efforts. The simulation predicts how much thrust the motor will produce, how quickly it will accelerate, how fast it goes, and how high it will fly. Profiles of all of these values are calculated at a given time interval, and can be plotted for analysis and consideration. The following cell contains a version of this simulation converted to Java by Bill T., computer scientist and engineer (many thanks Bill!)

To use the model just enter the design parameters for the rocket. This simulation assumes a cylinder for the motor. Use estimated dimensions if it's not a perfect cylinder, total volume is the important value. Then scroll down the page to the plot axis, and click the GO! button. As the simulation runs data will be plotted on the axis. During phases of the flight the ESTIMATED BURNOUT TIME(S), TOTAL IMPULSE(Lbs-S), MAX ALTITUDE (Ft.), and TOTAL FLIGHT TIME (S) will be displayed to the left of the plot axis.

Vary the input parameters to see how the performance of the rocket changes!

The text output of the simulation can be viewed, and copied, from the Java Console of your web browser.