The following equation describes the motion of a rocket that is expelling a total mass M of fuel at a rate α = -dm/dt: dv/dt = uα/(M-αt), where u is the speed the fuel is ejected, v is the velocity of the rocket in the x-direction, and t is time. Assume the velocity at t = 0 is v(0) = v0, and that M, and u are constants. The burn rate is proportional to the mass of the rocket, as follows: α = -βm, where m is the current mass of the rocket (which is therefore time-dependent). This means that as less fuel is available to burn, then the fuel is burned at a lower rate. Write an expression for the mass of the fuel as a function of time.  Now, write an expression for the velocity as a function of time for the rocket.  A particular rocket burns fuel at a rate proportional to the mass of the fuel with the constant of proportionality being 6.4 1/s. The propellant speed is 5.1 m/s. The total mass of fuel is 136.4 kg. What is the speed, in meters per second, of the rocket at t = 2.7 s?

icon
Related questions
Question

 The following equation describes the motion of a rocket that is expelling a total mass M of fuel at a rate
α = -dm/dt:
dv/dt = uα/(M-αt),
where u is the speed the fuel is ejected, v is the velocity of the rocket in the x-direction, and t is time. Assume the velocity at t = 0 is v(0) = v0, and that M, and u are constants. The burn rate is proportional to the mass of the rocket, as follows:
α = -βm,
where m is the current mass of the rocket (which is therefore time-dependent). This means that as less fuel is available to burn, then the fuel is burned at a lower rate.

Write an expression for the mass of the fuel as a function of time. 

Now, write an expression for the velocity as a function of time for the rocket. 
A particular rocket burns fuel at a rate proportional to the mass of the fuel with the constant of proportionality being 6.4 1/s. The propellant speed is 5.1 m/s. The total mass of fuel is 136.4 kg. What is the speed, in meters per second, of the rocket at t = 2.7 s?

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 4 steps

Blurred answer