1997-98
NEW MEXICO
HIGH SCHOOL
SUPERCOMPUTING CHALLENGE

TEAM ABSTRACT

Team Number:

107

School Name:

Springer High School

Area of Science:

Engineering: Aeronautical

Project Title:

Improved Rocket Fuel Economy

When a rocket is launched vertically, a large amount of fuel is used to thrust it into the atmosphere. It must immediately work against the earth's gravity. We assume this is highly inefficient. The incorporation of some kind of curved incline in the launching of of the rocket would work with the earth's gravity. First, it would build up the momentum of the rocket by taking it along a track parallel with the earth's surface. Then, the track would gradually curve up a ramp. Eventually, it would reach a ninety degree angle, at which point the rocket would be released. We think this procedure will greatly improve the fuel economy and range of the rocket. We plan to find more information on this subject on the World Wide Web. We also plan to write several computer programs to help in the figuring of some ramifications od our project.

Team Members:

• Josh Bivens
• Danny Litsinger
• Alicia Addison
• Keith Gutierrez
• Stephanie Medina

Sponsoring Teacher(s):

• Brenda Smith

Project Advisor(s):

• none