Best rocket simulator software

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Adam3836

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it’s been a while so wondering
What would people say the best rocket simulator software would be iam sure there are threads already about this but figured let’s see what the latest and greatest might be

Thanks
 
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I don't see any mention on these forums other than Rocksim (Apogee, you buy it) and Openrocket (free). Similar functionality. Both are good.
 
Thrustcurve.org can give you quick estimates based on weight and dianeter of rocket, and will batch run a the suitable motors.

OpenRocket is free and allows most basic rocket geometries to be created. It's CP position is conservative (further forward) because it uses the basic Barrowman equations. By user experience, its results for trans/supersonic flights seem to be more accurate than rocsim.

Rocsim is paid software that can create more advanced geometries (pods, outboards, split bodies, etc...). It expands on the Barrowman equations and loosens the restrictive assumptions, so its CP is generally a bit further aft (less conservative margin).
 
Definitely RasAero for high performance rockets. No other software at a reasonable price (RockSim Pro might but last I heard it was $1000) can compare for high performance rockets. I remember Chuck Rogers out on the playa while I was launching :)
 
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That's a crazy statement. I use OR myself, but if you want pod and/or tail ring support Rocksim is the only game in town for the moment. Both programs have their advantages; it simply depends on which capabilities are most important to you.
Oh, I hear you. I would never put pods or a tail ring on a rocket, so obviously we have different needs.

From what I can tell Rocksim is basically a software environment containing everything Tim knows about flying model rockets. Which is a lot! But like the Apogee store there is a clear emphasis on the lower end of the power spectrum.
 
I've never used it but RasAero is another option. I understand it is very good for extreme sims (>mach1, >50k ft, etc.)
A while back, I compared a RasAero II simulation of my 2018 Balls flight to the actual gps flight data. I only changed the timing of the staging to match the actual timing of the flight. The simulation was spot on until the rocket began to tumble at 140,000 feet and then deviated from the simulation. I really depend on RasAero II for setting up my flights.

Jim

Simulation 3.jpg.
 
Definitely RasAero for high performance rockets. No other software at a reasonable price (RockSim Pro might but last I heard it was $1000) can compare for high performance rockets. I remember Chuck Rogers out on the playa while I was launching :)

Tripoli bought RS Pro for use by the Class 3 Review Committee. I don’t work on the committee, so I couldn’t say what the problems were but they gave up on it and figured out how to accomplish what they need with other software such as ASTOS and RASAero.
 
Tripoli bought RS Pro for use by the Class 3 Review Committee. I don’t work on the committee, so I couldn’t say what the problems were but they gave up on it and figured out how to accomplish what they need with other software such as ASTOS and RASAero.

Oh yes, Joe B and I had a great chat about this experience trying to use it before switching to alternatives
 
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