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Q:
How does aerodynamics and wind drag affect the way a rocket will fly?
A:
Aerodynamic forces, lift and drag, are only generated for a short time during a rockets flight. These forces are generated by the interaction of a solid with a liquid or a gas. When a rocket clears the atmosphere, aerodynamic forces stop being a concern. Aerodynamic forces can cause rockets to rotate in flight because their center of pressure isn’t normally located at the center of gravity. Lift generated by rockets is used to stabilize and control the flight direction. Drag generated by rockets is usually much greater than the lift and thrust is the primary force in overcoming weight.
Posted on September 2, 2017 at 7:42 pm
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