1 CHAPTER 3: TRAJECTORY ANALYSIS AND ROCKET DESIGN

1 Problem 3.3 2. Step 2: Propellant Mass Stage 2 (mp2 ): 4. Step 7: Inert Mass Stage 1 (mi1 ):
[ ]
M R2 − 1
1.1 Given Data & Assumptions mp2 = mpl 942.5
M R2 − (M R2 − 1)/λ2 mi1 = − 942.5 ≈ 104.7 lb (Ref:)
• Target Velocity Increment (∆Vtotal ): 10, 000 ft/s [ ] 0.9
1.559 − 1
= 500
• Payload Weight (Wpl ): 500 lb 1.559 − (1.559 − 1)/0.8
[ ] 1.3.3 Gross Liftoff Weight (GLOW)
0.559
• Interstage Weight (Wint ): 200 lb = 500
1.559 − (0.559/0.8) 1. Step 8: Sum total weights:
[ ]
• 1st Stage Parameters: Isp1 = 270 s, λ1 = 0.9 0.559
= 500 GLOW = mp1 +mi1 +mpl,ef f 1 = 942.5+104.7+1106.1 = 2,
1.559 − 0.69875
• 2nd Stage Parameters: Isp2 = 350 s, λ2 = 0.8 [ ]
0.559
= 500
• Assumptions: 0.86025 1.4 Final Result
– Velocity gain is equally distributed: ∆v1 = ∆v2 = = 500 × 0.6498 ≈ 324.9 lb
• (a) Stage Masses:
5, 000 ft/s. 3. Step 3: Inert Mass Stage 2 (mi2 ):
– Standard gravity (ge ) is required for unit consis- 324.9 – Stage 1: mp1 ≈ 942.5 lb, mi1 ≈ 104.7 lb
2
tency: ge ≈ 32.174 ft/s . mi2 = − 324.9 ≈ 81.2 lb (Ref:)
0.8 – Stage 2: mp2 ≈ 324.9 lb, mi2 ≈ 81.2 lb
1.2 Governing Equations 1.3.2 Stage 1 Calculation • (b) Rocket GLOW:
• Mass Ratio (M R): 1. Step 4: Determine effective payload for Stage 1
mo (mpl,ef f 1 ): Result: GLOW ≈ 2, 153.3 lb
MR = = e∆v/(ge Isp ) (Ref:)
mf
mpl,ef f 1 = Wpl + mp2 + mi2 + Wint
• Propellant Mass (mp ):
2 Problem 3.4
= 500 + 324.9 + 81.2 + 200 = 1,106.1 lb (Ref:)
MR − 1 2. Step 5: Determine Stage 1 Mass Ratio (M R1 ): 2.1 1. Given Data & Assumptions
mp = mpl (Ref:)
M R − (M R − 1)/λ ∆v1 5,000 • Liftoff Mass (mo ): 100 kg
M R1 = e ge Isp1 = e 32.174·270
• Inert Mass (mi ): 5,000
= e 8,686.98 = e0.5756 ≈ 1.778 • Propellant Mass (mp ): 50 kg
mp
mi = − mp (Ref:) 3. Step 6: Propellant Mass Stage 1 (mp1 ):
λ [ ] • Specific Impulse (Isp ): 150 s
M R1 − 1
• Initial Mass Stage 1 (mo1 ): mp1 = mpl,ef f 1
M R1 − (M R1 − 1)/λ1 • Apogee Height (h): 20, 000 m
[ ]
mo1 = mp1 + mi1 + mo2 + mint (Ref:) 1.778 − 1
= 1106.1 • Assumptions:
1.778 − (1.778 − 1)/0.9
[ ]
1.3 Step-by-Step Calculation 0.778
= 1106.1 – Vertical trajectory.
1.778 − (0.778/0.9)
1.3.1 Stage 2 Calculation [ ]
0.778 – Negligible drag (D = 0).
1. Step 1: Determine Stage 2 Mass Ratio (M R2 ): = 1106.1
1.778 − 0.8644 – Constant thrust/mass flow rate.
[ ]
∆v2 0.778
M R2 = e ge Isp2
5,000
= e 32.174·350 = 1106.1 – Burnout mass (mf = mo − mp ): 50 kg.
0.9136
5,000 2
=e 11,260.9 = e0.4440 ≈ 1.559 = 1106.1 × 0.8516 ≈ 942.5 lb – Earth gravity (ge ): 9.81 m/s .
 CHAPTER 3: PROBLEM SET SOLUTION 2
( √ )
2.2 2. Governing Equations • Step 5: Simplify and Solve for tb : – ∆V2 = Vc2 1 − r12r+r1 2
• Gross Mass Fraction (K): 1, 040, 359 − 20, 012tb + 96.24t2b
20, 000 = 451.53tb − 4.905t2b + • Spiral Transfer ∆V (Electric):
mp 19.62
K=
mo 20, 000 = 451.53tb − 4.905tb + 53, 025 − 1, 020tb + 4.905tb
2 2
√
∆V = 2 + V 2 − 2V V cos(απ/2)
Vc1
spiral c2 c1 c2
• Burnout Velocity (vbo ): Note: The quadratic terms (4.905t2b ) cancel out.
( )
mo 20, 000 = 53, 025 − 568.47tb (Simplified for α = 0: ∆V = |Vc1 − Vc2 |).
vbo = ge Isp ln − g e tb
mf 568.47tb = 33, 025
• Mass Ratio (γ or M R):
• Burnout Height (hbo ): tb ≈ 58.1 s
( ) γ = e∆V /(gIsp )
1−K ge t2b 2.4 4. Final Result
hbo = ge Isp tb ln(1 − K) + 1 −
K 2
• Result:
• Propellant Mass (mp ):
• Coast Height (hcoast ): tb ≈ 58 s
2
vbo λ(γ − 1)
hcoast = mp = mpl
2ge 3 Problem 3.5-7 1 − γ(1 − λ)

• Total Apogee Height (h): 3.1 1. Given Data & Assumptions

• Transfer Time (tb ):
h = hbo + hcoast • Mission: Transfer from LEO (100 nm altitude) to
GEO (35,786 km altitude). mp gIsp
tb =
2.3 3. Step-by-Step Calculation • Chemical OTV (IUS): F
• Step 1: Calculate Mass Fraction (K):
– Stage 1: λ1 = 0.91, Isp1 = 295 s.
50 kg 3.3 3. Step-by-Step Calculation
K= = 0.5 – Stage 2: λ2 = 0.89, Isp2 = 305 s.
100 kg 3.3.1 (a) Determine ∆v Requirements
• Electric OTV Candidates (10 kW):
• Step 2: Calculate Intermediate Geometry Fac- • Step 1: Orbital Velocities:
tor: – Ammonia Arcjet: F = 2 N, λ = 0.7, Isp =
500 s.
1−K 1 − 0.5 r1 = re +185.2 km = 6378+185.2 = 6563.2 km = 6.5632×10
ln(1−K)+1 = ln(1−0.5)+1 = 1·ln(0.5)+1 ≈ 0.30685
– H2 Thruster: F = 1 N, λ = 0.6, Isp = 1000 s.
K 0.5

• Step 3: Express vbo and hbo in terms of tb : • Payload Range: 500 to 5000 lb. r2 = 35, 786 km+6, 378 km = 42, 164 km ≈ 42, 157 km = 4

vbo = (9.81)(150) ln(2) − 9.81tb = 1019.98 − 9.81tb • Constants: µ = 3.986 × 10 14 3 2

m /s , re = 6, 378 km. √
√
100 nm altitude ≈ 185.2 km. µ 3.986 × 1014
hbo = (9.81)(150)(tb )(0.30685)−4.905t2b = 451.53tb −4.905t2b Vc1 = =
r1 6.5632 × 106
3.2 2. Governing Equations √
• Step 4: Formulate Total Height Equation: = 6.073 × 107 = 7, 793 m/s ≈ 7.79 km/s
• Hohmann Transfer ∆V (Chemical):
v2 √ √
20, 000 = hbo + bo
2ge ∆Vtot = ∆V1 + ∆V2 µ 3.986 × 1014
Vc2 = =
(√ ) r2 4.2157 × 107
(1019.98 − 9.81tb )2 √
20, 000 = (451.53tb − 4.905tb2 ) + – ∆V1 = Vc1 2r2
r1 +r2 −1 = 9.455 × 106 = 3, 075 m/s ≈ 3.07 km/s
19.62
 3 CHAPTER 3: TRAJECTORY ANALYSIS AND ROCKET DESIGN

• Step 2: Chemical Transfer (Hohmann): Ammonia Arcjet (Isp = 500 s): • Constants & Variables:
(√ )
2r2 γ = e∆V /(gIsp ) = e4940/(9.81×500) – F : Engine thrust (constant).
∆V1 = Vc1 −1
r1 + r2 = e4940/4905 = e1.007 ≈ 2.74 – ms : Satellite mass.
(√ )
2 × 42, 157 – mp : Propellant mass used.
= 7.79 −1 H2 Thruster (Isp = 1000 s):
6, 563.2 + 42, 157 – tb : Firing duration.
(√ )
84, 314 γ=e ∆V /(gIsp )
=e 4940/(9.81×1000) – a: Imparted acceleration.
= 7.79 −1
48, 720.2
(√ ) = e4940/9810 = e0.504 ≈ 1.65 • Assumptions:
= 7.79 1.7307 − 1
– Change in satellite mass is very small: mp ≪ ms .
= 7.79(1.3156 − 1) = 7.79 × 0.3156 ≈ 2.46 km/s 3.3.3 (c) Transfer Time (tb ) for Electric OTVs
– Logarithmic approximation: ln(1 + x) ≈ x if |x| ≪
( √ ) • Step 4: Time Calculation: 1.
2r1
∆V2 = Vc2 1 − mpl gIsp λ(γ − 1)
r 1 + r2 tb =
( √ ) 4.2 2. Governing Equations
2 × 6, 563.2 F (1 − γ + λγ)
= 3.07 1 − • Mass Ratio (M R): M R =
ms +mp
= 1 + ϵ, where
48, 720.2 For mpl = 1000 lb ≈ 454 kg: ms
( √ ) m
ϵ = mps .
13, 126.4
= 3.07 1 − – Ammonia: tb ≈ 1.27 years
48, 720.2 • Specific Impulse (Isp ): Isp = F tb
(Derived from
( √ ) – H2 : tb ≈ 289 days gmp
= 3.07 1 − 0.2694 It = F tb = mp gIsp ).

= 3.07(1 − 0.5190) = 3.07 × 0.4810 ≈ 1.48 km/s 3.4 4. Final Result • Newton’s Second Law: F = ms a.
• Result (a): ∆Vchem ≈
∆Vchem = ∆V1 +∆V2 = 2.46+1.48 = 3.94 km/s ≈ 12, 930 ft/s 3.96 km/s; ∆Velec ≈
4.94 km/s. 4.3 3. Step-by-Step Calculation
• Step 3: Electric Transfer (Spiral): For α = 0 (no mp
• Result (d) Discussion: • Step 1: Simplify the Mass Ratio: Define ϵ = ms .
plane change):
Since the mass change is very small, ϵ ≪ 1.
∆Vspiral = |Vc1 − Vc2 | = |7.79 − 3.07| = 4.72 km/s – Chemical: Best for rapid transit (hours/days).
ms + mp
Extremely heavy for high payloads. MR = =1+ϵ
For general spiral with small inclination change (α ̸= 0), ms
– Electric (H2 ): Faster than Ammonia and signif-
using vector difference: icantly lighter due to higher Isp (1000 s). • Step 2: Apply the Logarithmic Approximation
√ to the Rocket Equation:
2 + V 2 − 2V V cos(απ/2) ≈ 4.94 km/s – Electric (Ammonia): Slowest (over a year for
∆Velec = Vc1 c2 c1 c2
GEO) but easier to store than H2 .
∆v = gIsp ln(1 + ϵ) ≈ gIsp ϵ
– Preference: Use chemical for crew/time-sensitive
3.3.2 (b) Vehicle Gross Weight (GLOW) vs. Pay- Substituting ϵ =
mp
cargo; use H2 electric for large, non-urgent infras- ms :
load tructure to maximize payload mass fraction. mp
• Chemical (IUS): Calculated stage-by-stage using: ∆v ≈ gIsp
ms
γ−1 4 Problem 3.9
mp = mpl • Step 3: Substitute the definition of Isp : Substitute
γ − (γ − 1)/λ gIsp = Fmtpb into the approximated equation:
4.1 1. Given Data & Assumptions
∆V is typically split equally (≈ 1.98 km/s per stage). ( )
• Context: Satellite thruster firing with minimal propel- F t b mp
lant mass change. ∆v ≈
• Electric: Calculated using single-stage mass formula: mp ms
( )
λγ • Given Equation: Ideal Rocket Equation ∆v = F tb
mo = mpl ∆v ≈
λ − γ(1 − λ) gIsp ln(M R). ms
 CHAPTER 3: PROBLEM SET SOLUTION 4
• Step 4: Relate to Acceleration and Newton’s • Instantaneous Mass: • Assumptions:
Second Law: Rearranging for the rate of change of
M (t) = Mo − ṁt – Vertical constant thrust trajectory.
velocity (acceleration a = ∆v
tb ):
– Negligible drag (D = 0).
∆v F • Height at Burnout: – Constant gravitational acceleration (g = ge ≈
=a= 2
tb ms ∫ tb 9.8 m/s ).
F = ms a hbo = V (t)dt – Variable burn time (tb ) to be optimized for maxi-
0 mum burnout height (hbo ).
4.4 4. Final Result 5.3 3. Step-by-Step Calculation 6.2 2. Governing Equations
• Result: Through the small-mass-change approxima- • Step 1: Set up the integral for height: Substitute Mo
tion ln(1 + ϵ) ≈ ϵ, the rocket equation reduces to New- • Mass Ratio (M R): M R =
the velocity and mass equations into the integral: Mf
ton’s Second Law: ∫ tb [ ( ) ] • Burnout Height (hbo ):
Mo [ ( ) ]
F = ms a hbo = ge Isp ln − ge t dt 1 1 ge t2b
0 Mo − ṁt hbo = ge Isp tb ln +1 −
MR − 1 MR 2
5 Problem 3.5-10 • Step 2: Solve the integral: Using the substitution
ṁt
u = 1− M , the integral for the logarithmic term results • Optimization Condition: ∂h∂tb = 0
bo

o
5.1 1. Given Data & Assumptions in:
[ ( ( ) ) ]t 6.3 3. Step-by-Step Calculation
• Scenario: Constant thrust rocket launched vertically Mo − ṁt Mo − ṁt 1 2 b
hbo = −ge Isp ln − t − ge t • Step 1: Define Constant terms for simplification:
without drag (D = 0). −ṁ Mo 2 0 1
( )
Let a = M R−1 ln M1R + 1. The height equation be-
• Gravity: Constant gravitational acceleration (g = ge ) t2b
• Step 3: Apply boundary conditions at t = tb : At comes: hbo = ge [Isp tb a − 2 ].
over the entire flight. M −M
tb , M (tb ) = Mf . Substituting ṁ = o tb f and evalu-
ating the limits: • Step 2: Differentiate with respect to tb to find
• Variables:
the maximum:
[ ( ) ]
– Mo : Initial mass Mf Mf ge t2b ∂hbo
hbo = ge Isp tb ln +1 − = ge [Isp a − tb ] = 0
– Mf : Final (burnout) mass M o − Mf Mo 2 ∂tb
– tb : Burn time of the engine Solving for tb :
5.4 4. Final Result [ ( ) ]
– Isp : Specific impulse 1 1
tb = Isp a = Isp ln +1
• Result: The derivation confirms the height at burnout MR − 1 MR
– hbo : Height at burnout
for a vertical, constant-thrust launch without drag is:
• Step 3: Calculate numerical value for tb :
5.2 2. Governing Equations [ ]
Mf ln(Mf /Mo ) ge t2b Mo 50 kg
hbo = ge Isp tb +1 − MR = = = 2.5
• Rocket Velocity Equation: Mo − Mf 2 Mf 20 kg
( ) ( )
Mo 1 1
V (t) = ge Isp ln − ge t a= ln +1
M (t) 6 Problem 3.13 MR − 1 MR
( )
1 1
6.1 1. Given Data & Assumptions = ln +1
• Mass Flow Rate (ṁ): 2.5 − 1 2.5
• Liftoff Mass (Mo ): 50 kg 1
Mo − Mf = ln(0.4) + 1
ṁ = 1.5
tb • Burnout Mass (Mf ): 20 kg
= 0.6667 × (−0.9163) + 1
(assuming constant ṁ for constant thrust) • Specific Impulse (Isp ): 250 s = −0.6109 + 1 = 0.3891
 5 CHAPTER 3: TRAJECTORY ANALYSIS AND ROCKET DESIGN

tb = 250 · 0.3891 ≈ 97.3 s 7.2 2. Governing Equations 7.4 4. Final Result

• Propellant Mass Fraction (λ): • (a) Total mass of hydrogen peroxide:
• Step 4: Calculate maximum burnout height
(hbo ): Using tb = 97.3 s and a = 0.3891: mp mp = 21 kg
λ=
mpropulsion
[ ]
97.32 • (b) Maximum hover time:
hbo = 9.8 (250 · 97.3 · 0.3891) −
2 • Initial Mass (mo ):
tb ≈ 40.2 s
hbo = 9.8[9464.2 − 4733.8] ≈ 9.8[4730.4]
mo = mpilot + mpropulsion
hbo ≈ 46, 400 m (or 46.4 km)
8 3.5-19
• Final Mass (mf ):
6.4 4. Final Result 8.1 1. Given Data & Assumptions
mf = mo − mp
• Optimal Burn Time: • Propulsion System Characteristics:
• Hover Duration (tb ): – Specific Impulse (Isp ): 180 s
tb ≈ 97.3 s ( ) – Propellant Mass Fraction (λ): 0.6
mo
∆v = ge Isp ln − g e tb – Total Loaded Propulsion System Weight
mf
• Maximum Burnout Height: (mpropulsion ): 35 kg

hbo ≈ 46.4 km 7.3 3. Step-by-Step Calculation • Pilot/Operator Data:

• Step 1: Determine Total Propellant Mass (mp ): – Pilot Mass (mpilot ): 70 kg
Using the mass fraction λ = 0.6 and total system mass
7 Problem 3.18 • Assumptions:
35 kg:
– Hover Condition: The net velocity increment
7.1 1. Given Data & Assumptions mp = λ · mpropulsion = 0.6 · 35 = 21 kg (∆v) is zero.
• Propulsion System Characteristics: – Losses: Drag losses are negligible (D = 0).
• Step 2: Determine Initial (mo ) and Final (mf )
– Gravity: Constant gravitational acceleration
Masses: 2
– Specific Impulse (Isp ): 180 s (g = 9.8 m/s ).
– Propellant Mass Fraction (λ): 0.6 mo = 70 kg + 35 kg = 105 kg
8.2 2. Governing Equations
– Total Propulsion System Mass (mpropulsion ): mf = 105 kg − 21 kg = 84 kg • Propellant Mass Fraction (λ):
35 kg
• Step 3: Calculate Mass Ratio (M R): mp mp
λ= =
• Pilot/Payload Data: mpropulsion mp + mi
mo 105
MR = = = 1.25
– Pilot Mass (mpilot ): 70 kg mf 84 • Initial Mass (mo ):
mo = mpilot + mpropulsion
• Assumptions: • Step 4: Solve for Hover Time (tb ): For hover, set
∆v = 0: • Final Mass (mf ):
– ”Hover” condition implies velocity increment ∆v =
0 = ge Isp ln(M R) − ge tb mf = mo − mp
0
tb = Isp ln(M R)
– Drag losses are negligible (D = 0) • Hover Velocity Equation:
tb = 180 · ln(1.25)
2
– Standard gravity (ge ): 9.81 m/s tb = 180 · 0.22314 ≈ 40.2 s ∆v = gIsp ln(M R) − gtb
 CHAPTER 3: PROBLEM SET SOLUTION 6
8.3 3. Step-by-Step Calculation • Ideal Velocity Increment (∆v): 500 m/s. 9.3.2 Determine Constants a and b
• Step 1: Calculate the total mass of propellant • Assumptions: • Step 4: Boundary Condition at Burnout (t =
(mp ): Using the mass fraction λ = 0.6: 2 20 s):
– Standard gravity (ge ) is 9.8 m/s for consistency.
– Propulsion system mass fraction λ = mp +m
mp F (20) = 20a − 400b = 0 =⇒ a = 20b
mp = λ · mpropulsion = 0.6 · 35 kg = 21 kg i
=
0.8.
• Step 5: Total Impulse Condition:
• Step 2: Determine initial and final system
9.2 Governing Equations It = mp ge Isp
masses:
2
• Ideal Rocket Equation: = 24 kg × 9.8 m/s × 250 s
– mo = 70 kg + 35 kg = 105 kg ( ) = 58, 800 N · s
mo
– mf = 105 kg − 21 kg = 84 kg ∆v = ge Isp ln
mf Integrate the thrust profile:
• Step 3: Calculate the Mass Ratio (M R): ∫ 20 [ ]20
• Mass Definitions: a 2 b 3
(at − bt )dt =
2
t − t
mo 105 0 2 3 0
MR = = = 1.25 mo = mpl + mp + mi , mf = mpl + mi (Ref:)
mf 84 a b
= (400) − (8000)
• Total Impulse: 2 3
• Step 4: Solve for maximum hover time (tb ): For ∫ tb = 200a − 2666.7b = 58, 800
a stable hover (∆v = 0 and no drag losses): It = F dt = mp ge Isp
0
Substitute a = 20b from Step 4:
0 = gIsp ln(M R) − gtb • Acceleration: 200(20b) − 2666.7b = 58, 800
F (t) 4000b − 2666.7b = 58, 800
tb = Isp ln(M R) a(t) =
m(t)
tb = 180 · ln(1.25) = 180 · 0.22314 1333.3b = 58, 800
tb ≈ 40.2 s 58, 800
9.3 Step-by-Step Calculation b= = 44.1
1333.3
9.3.1 Mass of Propellant and Inert Components a = 20b = 20 × 44.1 = 882
8.4 4. Final Result
• Step 1: Determine Mass Ratio (M R): a = 882, b = 44.1
• (a) Total mass of hydrogen peroxide:
∆v 500
ln(M R) = = ≈ 0.2041 9.3.3 Acceleration at Peak Thrust
mp = 21 kg ge Isp 9.8 · 250
M R = e0.2041 ≈ 1.226 • Step 6: Time of Peak Thrust (tpeak ):
• (b) Maximum hover duration: dF a 882
• Step 2: Solve for Propellant Mass (mp ): From = a − 2bt = 0 =⇒ tpeak = = = 10 s
λ = 0.8, mi = 1−0.8 dt 2b 88.2
tb ≈ 40.2 s 0.8 mp = 0.25mp .
100 + mp + 0.25mp • Step 7: Thrust and Mass at t = 10 s:
1.226 =
100 + 0.25mp F (10) = 882(10) − 44.1(100) = 4410 N
9 Problem 3.22
1.226(100 + 0.25mp ) = 100 + 1.25mp Mass consumed:
9.1 Given Data & Assumptions 122.6 + 0.3065mp = 100 + 1.25mp ∫ 10
1 1 29400
F dt = [441t2 −14.7t3 ]10
0 = = 12 kg
• Thrust Profile: F = at − bt2 for 0 ≤ t ≤ 20 s. 0.9435mp = 22.6 =⇒ mp ≈ 24.0 kg ge Isp 0 2450 2450
m(10) = 130 − 12 = 118 kg.
• Specific Impulse (Isp ): 250 s. • Step 3: Solve for Inert Mass (mi ):
• Step 8: Calculate Acceleration in g’s:
• Propulsion Mass Fraction (λ): 0.8. mi = 0.25 · 24.0 = 6.0 kg
4410 N
a(10) = ≈ 3.8 g
• Payload Mass (mpl ): 100 kg. Initial mass mo = 100 + 24 + 6 = 130 kg. 118 kg · 9.8 m/s
2
 7 CHAPTER 3: TRAJECTORY ANALYSIS AND ROCKET DESIGN

9.3.4 Maximum Acceleration Level 10.2 Governing Equations • Step 4: Determine Thrust Coefficient (CF ): Ex-
( 4.5 )2
• Analysis: No, the acceleration at peak thrust is not gPc At pansion ratio ϵ = A At = 0.5
e
= 81. Using expansion
• Mass Flow Rate (ṁ): ṁ = C∗
the maximum. tables for γ = 1.2 and ϵ = 81, CF,vac = 1.938.
∫ tb
• Propellant Mass (Mp ): Mp = ṁdt
• Explanation: While thrust (F ) is maximum at t = 0 • Step 5: Calculate Fmax :
10 s, the mass (m) continues to decrease throughout • Thrust (F ): F = CF Pc At
the flight. Since a(t) = F/m, the maximum accelera- Fmax = CF,vac × Pc,max × At
CF C ∗
• Specific Impulse (Isp ): Isp =
tion occurs slightly after the peak thrust time because g = 1.938 × 600 psi × 0.7854 in2
the rate of mass reduction outweighs the rate of thrust ( )
• Rocket Equation: ∆V = gIsp ln
Mpl +Mmotor = 1.938 × 471.24
decay for a brief period. Mpl +Mmotor −Mp
= 913.3 lb
9.4 Final Result 10.3 Step-by-Step Calculation
Fmax ≈ 913 lb
• Propellant Mass (mp ): 24.0 kg 10.3.1 Mass of Propellant (Mp )

• Inert Mass (mi ): 6.0 kg • Step 1: Integrate the pressure over burn time 10.3.3 Payload of the Missile (Mpl )
(tb = 45 s):
• Thrust Constants: a = 882, b = 44.1 ∫ 45 ∫ 45 • Step 6: Calculate Isp and Total Motor Mass
Pc dt = (300 + 30t − 0.75t2 )dt (Mmotor ):
• Peak Thrust Accel: 3.8 g
0 0
[ ]45 CF · C ∗
• Max Accel Condition: Not at peak thrust. = 300t + 15t2 − 0.25t3 0
Isp =
g
= 13500 + 30375 − 22781.25 = 21093.75 psi · s 1.938 × 4800 ft/s
10 Problem 3.5-29 = 2
• Step 2: Calculate Mp : First, calculate the throat 32.2 ft/s
10.1 Given Data & Assumptions area: 9302.4
= = 289 s
32.2
• Chamber Pressure History (Pc ): Pc = 300 + 30t − At = πrt2 = π(0.5)2 = 0.25π in2 = 0.7854 in2
0.75t2 (psi), for 0 ≤ t ≤ 45 s. ∫ Mp
gAt 45 Mmotor =
Mp = ∗ Pc dt λ
• Propellant Characteristics:
C 0 111 lb
= = 138.75 lb ≈ 138.8 lb
– Characteristic Velocity (C ∗ ): 4800 ft/s. 2
32.2 ft/s × 0.7854 in2 0.8
= × 21093.75 psi · s
– Propellant Density (ρp ): 0.06 lb/in³. 4800 ft/s
• Step 7: Solve Rocket Equation for Mpl : First, cal-
– Ratio of Specific Heats (γ): 1.2. 25.29 culate the mass ratio:
= × 21093.75
4800
• Nozzle Geometry: = 0.00527 × 21093.75 M R = e∆V /(g·Isp )
– Throat Radius (rt ): 0.5 in (implies At = 0.25π = 111.1 lb = e5000/(32.2×289)
in²). Mp ≈ 111 lb = e5000/9305.8
– Exit Radius (re ): 4.5 in (implies Ae = 20.25π = e0.5373 = 1.711
in²).
10.3.2 Maximum Thrust (Fmax )
• Mission Data: Apply mass ratio definition and solve for Mpl :
• Step 3: Find time of maximum pressure (Pc,max ):
– Velocity Increment (∆V ): 5000 ft/s. Mpl + Mmotor
dPc MR =
= 30 − 1.5t = 0 =⇒ tmax = 20 s Mpl + Mmotor − Mp
– Motor Mass Fraction (λ): 0.8. dt
Mpl + 138.8 Mpl + 138.8
• Constants: Standard gravity (g): 32.2 ft/s². Pc,max = 300 + 30(20) − 0.75(202 ) = 600 psi 1.711 = =
Mpl + 138.8 − 111 Mpl + 27.8
 CHAPTER 3: PROBLEM SET SOLUTION 8
Cross-multiply and solve: 11.3 3. Step-by-Step Calculation
1.711(Mpl + 27.8) = Mpl + 138.8 • Step 1: Analyze Propellant Mass Behavior: The
1.711Mpl + 47.57 = Mpl + 138.8 expression for propellant mass can be rewritten to iso-
late the denominator:
1.711Mpl − Mpl = 138.8 − 47.57
( )
0.711Mpl = 91.23 MR − 1
mp = mpl 1−M R
91.23 + MR
Mpl = = 128.3 lb λ
0.711
As mp → ∞, the denominator must approach zero to
Mpl ≈ 128 lb represent the physical limit of the stage’s capability.

10.4 Final Result • Step 2: Solve for Critical Mass Ratio (M Rmax ):
Set the denominator to zero to find the maximum pos-
• Propellant Mass: 111 lb sible mass ratio for a given λ:

• Maximum Thrust: 913 lb 1 − M Rmax

+ M Rmax = 0
λ
• Payload Mass: 128 lb 1 − M Rmax + λM Rmax = 0
1 = M Rmax (1 − λ)
11 Problem 3.34 1
M Rmax =
1−λ
11.1 1. Given Data & Assumptions
• Parameters: Fixed specific impulse (Isp ) and propul- • Step 3: Derive Maximum Velocity Increment
sion system mass fraction (λ). (∆vmax ): Substitute M Rmax into the Ideal Rocket
Equation:
• Payload: Fixed payload mass (mpl ). ( )
1
• Assumptions: ∆vmax = ge Isp ln
1−λ
– Neglect gravity and drag losses.
Using logarithmic properties, this simplifies to:
– The maximum ∆v occurs as the propellant mass
(mp ) approaches infinity for a single-stage system. ∆vmax = −ge Isp ln(1 − λ)

11.2 2. Governing Equations 11.4 4. Final Result

• Ideal Rocket Equation: • Result: The expression for the maximum attainable
( ) velocity increment is:
mo
∆v = ge Isp ln
mf
∆vmax = −ge Isp ln(1 − λ)
• Propellant Mass Relation:
MR − 1 mo
mp = mpl where M R =
M R − M R−1
λ
mf

• Propulsion System Mass Fraction:

mp
λ=
mp + mi