EXPO 2026: "From Cork Pop to Coasting: Modeling the Water Rocket Launch" скачать в хорошем качестве

EXPO 2026: "From Cork Pop to Coasting: Modeling the Water Rocket Launch"

Fri | 7:30 PM–8:00 PM ET Viktoria Savatorova, Connor Carlson, Ethan Dyer, Patryk Kustra; Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT USA Abstract: This project presents a mathematical modeling study of a water rocket launch analyzed in four successive phases: (1) cork ejection, (2) water expulsion, (3) air discharge, and (4) coasting. The launch sequence involves rapid variations in pressure, thrust, and mass that make the system both dynamic and well suited for differential equation modeling. The model combines Newton’s second law, Bernoulli’s equation, and the adiabatic expansion of compressed air to describe the rocket’s acceleration and internal pressure variation. Variable mass and pressure-driven thrust are represented through a system of nonlinear equations solved numerically in MATLAB to reveal how velocity, pressure, and altitude evolve and where transitions between phases occur. The coasting stage can be solved analytically. Experimental observations from video analysis and timing data validate the model. Through this hands-on project, students connect theory with experiment, exploring how initial air pressure and water fill ratio influence flight performance. For more information, visit https://qubeshub.org/community/groups...