As you being to design and sketch your rockets, discuss and be able to answer the following items.
Design Brainstorming - Points to think about:
1. Forces:
Three forces act on our water rocket:
Gravity is a constant downward force acting on all objects.
Thrust is an upward force created by the reaction to the ejection of the water shooting down and out of the bottle.
Air resistance or “drag” is a force that acts in the opposite direction of an object moving through the air. Drag is a downward force when the rocket is shooting up and an upward force when the rocket is falling back to Earth
2. Aerodynamics:
The aerodynamics of our rocket influence how it will fly. Aerodynamics help minimize the force of air resistance or drag. Three things can improve the aerodynamics of our rocket:
Nose cone helps reduce air resistance or drag
Fins help stabilize the rocket
Fairing is a skirt that goes around the nozzle that helps reduce air resistance or drag (definition of fairing)
3. Variables that will influence flight:
Amount of air pressure we pump into the rocket
Amount of water or “propellant” we put into the rocket
Angle of launch
Aerodynamics of our rocket
4. Construction thoughts to consider:
How will you keep the rocket rigid?
How and where will you attach the fins?
How will you attach nose cone?
What variables will affect flight distance?