Summary

The advanced model rocketeer will find that this book allows him to predict every aspect of his model's performance. It is a comprehensive and rigorous treatment of the trajectory analysis, aerodynamics, and flight dynamics of model rockets; it contains many original methods and demonstrates a wealth of complex problems that still require solutions in model rocketry. More specifically, Topics in Advanced Model Rocketryincludes methods that will enable the modeler to calculate the following: the "point-mass" approximation altitude for any rocket, or cluster; the drag coefficient, normal force coefficient, damping factor, moments of inertia, restoring moments, and so forth, of his vehicle; and the dynamic behavior of his rocket, that is, oscillation frequency, amplitude, spin rate, and perturbing forces. In addition, the equations will allow the modeler to design his vehicle so that wind and other perturbing flight forces have a minimal effect on its performance. In the past, many older modelers left the hobby of model rocketry because advanced information and challenges were lacking; now Topics in Advanced Model Rocketrycan provide the veteran modeler with exactly the information he needs, while it also serves as a basis for further theoretical research in the field.