lcorinth
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Is there a method for calculating the angle of attack of the effective flow direction of air over a rocket's fins?
So, let's say that the rocket is traveling upwards at 50mph (0 degree angle of attack), and then is hit with a wind from the side going at 50mph (90 degree angle of attack), my understanding is that the angle of attack of the effective flow would be 45 degrees, due to these combined forces, because wind from both directions is going the same speed.
But, let's say the rocket is traveling upwards at 150mph and the crosswind is, let's say, 15mph. Is there a way to calculate what the angle of attack the rocket would be experiencing?
Full disclosure, I might be asking for something which is mathematically beyond me, but I want to see if I can understand this.
So, let's say that the rocket is traveling upwards at 50mph (0 degree angle of attack), and then is hit with a wind from the side going at 50mph (90 degree angle of attack), my understanding is that the angle of attack of the effective flow would be 45 degrees, due to these combined forces, because wind from both directions is going the same speed.
But, let's say the rocket is traveling upwards at 150mph and the crosswind is, let's say, 15mph. Is there a way to calculate what the angle of attack the rocket would be experiencing?
Full disclosure, I might be asking for something which is mathematically beyond me, but I want to see if I can understand this.
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