Thomas Cunningham, Purdue AAE visiting assistant professor and candidate for one of the School's permanent lecturer positions, will discuss the intricacies of the "rocket equation."

Abstract

The derivation of the Rocket Equation and its application to a variety of preliminary design calculations are presented for a general audience at the level of engineering sophomore. The rocket equation is useful to designers because it arises from the basic yet powerful Newtonian laws of motion, and clearly connects rocket system mass, engine performance and orbital mechanics maneuvers. Using the rocket equation, engineering designers gain insight into many aspects of the design of a space mission, including requirements for launch to orbit, changes to orbits, interplanetary transfer orbits, rendezvous and docking, and mission termination. The design of spacecraft and rocket systems is facilitated by the rocket equation, as it provides guidance on the sizing of engines and other rocket components, demonstrates the benefits of rocket staging and shows the effects of propellant selection.

Biography

Thomas Cunningham is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Purdue’s School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, receiving his Ph.D. from the same school in the summer of 2022. His earlier degrees include a bachelor’s degree with a double-major in Mechanical Engineering and Japanese Language from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University. At Purdue, his research has focused on automated mission planning for space flight operations. Here, algorithmic techniques and planning metrics are developed in support of autonomous spacecraft operation and human planning efforts. As Visiting Assistant Professor, he has taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses including Aeromechanics, Introduction to Aerospace Design, Spacecraft (Senior) Design and Spaceflight Operations.