Rocket Launch Simulation and Analysis using RocketPy - Analytics Vidhya

Simulate Rocket Launches with RocketPy: A Comprehensive Guide

This article guides you through simulating high-power rocket launches using RocketPy, a powerful Python library. We'll cover everything from defining rocket components to analyzing simulation results and visualizing data. Whether you're a student or a seasoned engineer, this tutorial provides practical, hands-on experience.

Learning Objectives:

• Master RocketPy for rocket launch simulations.
• Configure rocket components (motor, body, fins, parachutes).
• Perform and interpret flight simulations.
• Visualize data using Matplotlib and perform Fourier analysis.
• Troubleshoot common simulation problems.

(This article is part of the Data Science Blogathon.)

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• What is RocketPy?
• Downloading Necessary Data
• Importing Libraries and Environment Setup
• Understanding Solid Motor Specifications
• Configuring Rocket Dimensions and Parts
• Adding and Configuring Parachutes
• Running and Analyzing the Simulation
• Exporting Trajectory to KML
• Data Analysis and Visualization
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is RocketPy?

RocketPy is a Python library for simulating and analyzing high-power rocket flights. It models rocket components (solid motors, fins, parachutes) and simulates their behavior during launch and flight. Users define rocket parameters, run simulations, and visualize results via plots and data exports.

Downloading Required Data:

Download these files for the simulation:

!pip install rocketpy
!curl -o NACA0012-radians.csv https://raw.githubusercontent.com/RocketPy-Team/RocketPy/master/data/calisto/NACA0012-radians.csv
!curl -o Cesaroni_M1670.eng https://raw.githubusercontent.com/RocketPy-Team/RocketPy/master/data/motors/Cesaroni_M1670.eng
!curl -o powerOffDragCurve.csv https://raw.githubusercontent.com/RocketPy-Team/RocketPy/master/data/calisto/powerOffDragCurve.csv
!curl -o powerOnDragCurve.csv https://raw.githubusercontent.com/RocketPy-Team/RocketPy/master/data/calisto/powerOnDragCurve.csv

Importing Libraries and Setting Up the Environment:

Import necessary libraries and define location and atmospheric conditions:

from rocketpy import Environment, SolidMotor, Rocket, Flight
import datetime

# Initialize environment
env = Environment(latitude=32.990254, longitude=-106.974998, elevation=1400)
tomorrow = datetime.date.today()   datetime.timedelta(days=1)
env.set_date((tomorrow.year, tomorrow.month, tomorrow.day, 12))
env.set_atmospheric_model(type="Forecast", file="GFS")
env.info()

The Environment class sets the geographical location and atmospheric conditions for accurate simulations.

Understanding Solid Motor Characteristics:

Define motor parameters (thrust, dimensions, properties):

Pro75M1670 = SolidMotor(
    thrust_source="Cesaroni_M1670.eng",
    dry_mass=1.815,
    dry_inertia=(0.125, 0.125, 0.002),
    nozzle_radius=33 / 1000,
    grain_number=5,
    grain_density=1815,
    grain_outer_radius=33 / 1000,
    grain_initial_inner_radius=15 / 1000,
    grain_initial_height=120 / 1000,
    grain_separation=5 / 1000,
    grains_center_of_mass_position=0.397,
    center_of_dry_mass_position=0.317,
    nozzle_position=0,
    burn_time=3.9,
    throat_radius=11 / 1000,
    coordinate_system_orientation="nozzle_to_combustion_chamber",
)
Pro75M1670.info()

The SolidMotor class defines the motor's physical and performance characteristics.

Configuring Rocket Dimensions and Components:

Define rocket parameters (dimensions, components, motor integration):

calisto = Rocket(
    radius=127 / 2000,
    mass=14.426,
    inertia=(6.321, 6.321, 0.034),
    power_off_drag="powerOffDragCurve.csv",
    power_on_drag="powerOnDragCurve.csv",
    center_of_mass_without_motor=0,
    coordinate_system_orientation="tail_to_nose",
)

calisto.set_rail_buttons(upper_button_position=0.0818, lower_button_position=-0.618, angular_position=45)
calisto.add_motor(Pro75M1670, position=-1.255)
calisto.add_nose(length=0.55829, kind="vonKarman", position=1.278)
calisto.add_trapezoidal_fins(n=4, root_chord=0.120, tip_chord=0.060, span=0.110, position=-1.04956, cant_angle=0.5, airfoil=("NACA0012-radians.csv", "radians"))
calisto.add_tail(top_radius=0.0635, bottom_radius=0.0435, length=0.060, position=-1.194656)

calisto.all_info()

The Rocket class defines the rocket's structure (fins, nose cone), impacting stability and aerodynamics. Mass plots follow.

Adding and Configuring Parachutes:

Add parachutes for safe recovery:

Main = calisto.add_parachute(
    "Main",
    cd_s=10.0,
    trigger=800,
    sampling_rate=105,
    lag=1.5,
    noise=(0, 8.3, 0.5),
)

Drogue = calisto.add_parachute(
    "Drogue",
    cd_s=1.0,
    trigger="apogee",
    sampling_rate=105,
    lag=1.5,
    noise=(0, 8.3, 0.5),
)

Parachutes are crucial for controlled descent. Parameters like drag coefficient and deployment altitude are key.

Running and Analyzing the Simulation:

Run the flight simulation:

test_flight = Flight(
    rocket=calisto, environment=env, rail_length=5.2, inclination=85, heading=0
)
test_flight.all_info()

The Flight class simulates the trajectory.

Exporting Trajectory to KML:

Export the trajectory for visualization in Google Earth:

test_flight.export_kml(file_name="trajectory.kml", extrude=True, altitude_mode="relative_to_ground")

Data Analysis and Visualization:

Perform analysis and visualize results (apogee by mass, liftoff speed, Fourier analysis):

from rocketpy.utilities import apogee_by_mass, liftoff_speed_by_mass
import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
# ... (code for plotting and Fourier analysis) ...

Visualization helps understand rocket performance and dynamics.

Conclusion:

RocketPy provides a powerful framework for rocket flight simulation and analysis. This tutorial provides a complete walkthrough, enabling users to perform simulations, analyze results, and visualize data effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Comprehensive RocketPy simulation process.
• Hands-on Python code examples.
• Importance of component configuration for accurate simulations.
• Data visualization for better understanding of flight dynamics.
• Troubleshooting tips and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Q1: What is RocketPy? A: A Python library for simulating and analyzing high-power rocket flights.
• Q2: How to install RocketPy? A: Use pip install rocketpy.
• Q3: What to do if errors occur? A: Check parameters, data files, and paths. Refer to troubleshooting resources.
• Q4: How to visualize results? A: Export to KML for Google Earth and use Matplotlib for custom plots.

(Note: Images are not owned by this response and are used as provided in the input.)

The above is the detailed content of Rocket Launch Simulation and Analysis using RocketPy - Analytics Vidhya. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!