Program: Rocket_Euler.java
Author: Jason Henry Tullis
Date of Creation: 2018
Date of Publication: 6-29-24
| Proficiencies Demonstrated: | Explanation: |
|---|---|
| Native implementation of algorithms | Euler's method to solve for rocket's motion under the action of thrust, drag and gravity, numeric integration of velocities over time, linear interpolation of atmospheric pressure over height, and the solution of Tsiolkovsky rocket equation. |
| Aquisition and use of real-world data to solve quantitative problems | Reasonable values for each rocket parameter (see instructional mode of program for these suggested values), as well as realistic data points for atmospheric pressure at different altitudes |
| Familiarity with Java programming | Program runs correctly, using 500+ lines of code effectively |
| Funcional programming | Several functions interconnect depending on context in order to implement the appropriate algorithms |
| Basic graphical user interface | Use of JOptionPane for selection panels, and data entry through pop-up windows |
I wanted to share this Java program that simulates rockets inside and outside of the atmosphere. I implemented a form of Euler's method and simeltaneous numeric integration to approximate the solution to the second order ODE describing motion through an atmosphere. The program also uses the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation to model rocket apoapsis outside of earth's atmosphere. This was an independent school project for my AP Computer Science Principles class.