Math and this

[sparty48]

Hi KSPers, sparty48 here, and I am wanting to use KSP for some extra math work. Can anyone give me some advice on what kind of stuff I could do? Thanks, and FLY DANGERO... I mean safe

[PakledHostage]

Threads like this pop up from time to time and people are usually happy to suggest ideas. It helps if you give us some idea of what level you're at/interested in.

One objective that is kind of an interesting physics problem is determining the mass and size of a celestial object by putting something in orbit around it. You can compare your answer to the values on the Wiki when you're done.

[Fractal_UK]

I'm surprised PakledHostage didn't suggest this but build your own global navigation satellite system (or GNSS). Don't look up the values that people have already worked out, work out suitable orbital planes for your system's satellite constellation to keep at least 4 satellites in view of the entire planet surface, all of the time. Then try and work out how to put the satellites in the right orbits.

[Specialist290]

Another (relatively) simple idea you could try: Build a simple craft, then calculate whether it will lift off by comparing the force exerted by the engines pushing upwards to the force exerted by gravity pulling downwards on its mass.

[superecnate]

Try to calculate the density of Kerbin's oceans.

It will be a very high number, though.

[Panichio]

Try to calculate the density of Kerbin's oceans.

It will be a very high number, though.

How do you do that, actually? I've also been looking for different ways to do a bit of maths with KSP.

[Brotoro]

How do you do that, actually? I've also been looking for different ways to do a bit of maths with KSP.

Go float an object in Kerbin's ocean. A capsule would work, but the simpler cylindrical shape of a fuel tank might make your calculations easier. See how much of the object is under water, then use this to calculate the volume of water displaced. The boyant force holding up the object will be equal to the weight of water being displaced (and will equal the weight of the floating object). You can find values for the mass of parts in the kerbal wiki. You'll have to measure the other dimensions of the object from the screen image relative to its diameter (which might be either 1 meter or 1.25 meters for a single-kerbal capsule, depending on how you interpret things).

Edited May 28, 2013 by Brotoro

[Dictator Dan]

Delta-v calculations, or calculating altitudes for aerobraking, to put your apoapsis at a certain altitude.

[Supernovy]

I recommend using the vis viva equation to determine your speed at apoapsis from your speed at periapsis.

You could use this to figure out how much delta-v is required to circularise an orbit.

[sparty48]

Great ideas guys.

[Panichio]

Go float an object in Kerbin's ocean. A capsule would work, but the simpler cylindrical shape of a fuel tank might make your calculations easier. See how much of the object is under water, then use this to calculate the volume of water displaced. The boyant force holding up the object will be equal to the weight of water being displaced (and will equal the weight of the floating object). You can find values for the mass of parts in the kerbal wiki. You'll have to measure the other dimensions of the object from the screen image relative to its diameter (which might be either 1 meter or 1.25 meters for a single-kerbal capsule, depending on how you interpret things).

Oh right, yeah! I'll give it a go.