Basics 6 min read
An Application: Convergent-divergent Nozzles
In typical engineering applications, compressible flow typically occurs in ducts, e.g. engine intakes, or through the exhaust nozzles of afterburners…
THE ARCHIVES
Author: Boomi Nathan.
J. BoomiNathan is a writer at SenseCentral who specializes in making tech easy to understand. He covers mobile apps, software, troubleshooting, and step-by-step tutorials designed for real people—not just experts. His articles blend clear explanations with practical tips so readers can solve problems faster and make smarter digital choices. He enjoys breaking down complicated tools into simple, usable steps.
Basics 9 min read
Supersonic Aerodynamics: Designing Rocket Nozzles
(Caveat: There is a little bit more maths in this post than usual. I have tried to explain the equations as…
Basics 13 min read
Rocket Science 101: Fuel, engine and nozzle
· Maximise the mass ratio to achieve the highest amounts of delta-v. This translates to carrying the maximum amount of fuel…
Basics 11 min read
The rocket equation
The Tsiolkovsky rocket equation, however, takes this into account. The motion of the rocket is governed by the conservation of momentum.…
Basics 6 min read
Rocket Science 101: Operating Principles
We covered the history of rocketry over the last 2000 years. By means of the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation we also established that…
Basics 7 min read
New approaches
After the demise of the Space Shuttle programme in 2011, the US’ capability of launching humans into space was heavily restricted. NASA…
Basics 9 min read
The Space Race – to the moon and beyond
After WWII both the United States and the Soviet Union began heavily funding research into ICBMs, partly because these had…
Basics 5 min read
The Era of Modern Rocketry
Soon, new applications for rockets were being imagined. Jules Verne, always the visionary, put the dream of space flight into…
Basics 3 min read
The scientific method meets rocketry
The scientific groundwork of rocketry was laid during the Enlightenment by none other than Sir Isaac Newton. His three laws…
Basics 3 min read
The early beginnings
Drawing of a Chinese rocket and launching mechanism The wood pigeon and aeolipile do not resemble anything that we would…
Basics 5 min read
The History of Rocket Science
Rocket technology has evolved for more than 2000 years. Today’s rockets are a product of a long tradition of ingenuity…