Introduction - Revision history

IBHCM2 at 15:16, 6 February 2023

2023-02-06T15:16:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:16, 6 February 2023
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	== What is OpenRocket? ==		== What is OpenRocket? ==

	Welcome! [[File:~~Logo~~.png\|thumb\|800 px\|right\|The OpenRocket logo.]]		Welcome! [[File:icon-256.png\|thumb\|800 px\|right\|The OpenRocket logo.]]
	OpenRocket is an open source model rocket simulation software application. It was originally developed by [http://sampo.kapsi.fi/ Sampo Niskanen] in 2009 as part of his master thesis at what was then [https://www.aalto.fi/en/aalto-university/history <em>Helsinki University of Technology</em>]. If you want to have a look at his thesis you can download it from OpenRocket's [http://openrocket.info/documentation.html technical documentation page]. Written entirely in Java, OpenRocket is fully cross-platform. Have a look at the [[Downloading_%26_Installing\|next section]] if you need information about how to open the program on your computer. <br /><br />		OpenRocket is an open source model rocket simulation software application. It was originally developed by [http://sampo.kapsi.fi/ Sampo Niskanen] in 2009 as part of his master thesis at what was then [https://www.aalto.fi/en/aalto-university/history <em>Helsinki University of Technology</em>]. If you want to have a look at his thesis you can download it from OpenRocket's [http://openrocket.info/documentation.html technical documentation page]. Written entirely in Java, OpenRocket is fully cross-platform. Have a look at the [[Downloading_%26_Installing\|next section]] if you need information about how to open the program on your computer. <br /><br />

Jddj at 03:36, 10 March 2021

2021-03-10T03:36:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:36, 10 March 2021
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	<div style="text-align: center;">		<div style="text-align: center;">
	<div style="float: left;">[[~~User's Guide~~\|← Contents]]</div>		<div style="float: left;">[[Main Page\|← Contents]]</div>
	<div style="float: right;">[[Downloading & Installing\|Downloading & Installing →]]</div>		<div style="float: right;">[[Downloading & Installing\|Downloading & Installing →]]</div>
	[[~~User's Guide~~\|↑ Back to Contents]]		[[Main Page\|↑ Back to Contents]]
	</div>		</div>
	{{UserGuideHelp}}		{{UserGuideHelp}}
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	----		----
	<div style="text-align: center;">		<div style="text-align: center;">
	<div style="float: left;">[[~~User's Guide~~\|← Contents]]</div>		<div style="float: left;">[[Main Page\|← Contents]]</div>
	<div style="float: right;">[[Downloading & Installing\|Downloading & Installing →]]</div>		<div style="float: right;">[[Downloading & Installing\|Downloading & Installing →]]</div>
	[[~~User's Guide~~\|↑ Back to Contents]]		[[Main Page\|↑ Back to Contents]]
	</div>		</div>

Jddj at 02:28, 10 March 2021

2021-03-10T02:28:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:28, 10 March 2021
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	</div>		</div>
	{{UserGuideHelp}}		{{UserGuideHelp}}

	~~==1. Introduction==~~
	~~<br/>~~

	== What is OpenRocket? ==		== What is OpenRocket? ==

Jddj: Removed absolute links (to wiki.openrocket.info) and replaced with Wiki-relative links

2020-12-23T01:37:16Z

Removed absolute links (to wiki.openrocket.info) and replaced with Wiki-relative links

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:37, 23 December 2020
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	You're reading Section 1, the Introduction. <br /><br />		You're reading Section 1, the Introduction. <br /><br />

	The next section, [~~http://wiki.openrocket.info/Downloading_%26_Installing Section 2~~], explains how to install OpenRocket. You can look for a <strong>packaged binary</strong> with everything you need, or learn <strong>how to install Java</strong> on your computer (or find out if it is already installed) and then <strong>how to launch OpenRocket</strong>. If you have already managed to launch the program, skip this section. <br /><br />		The next section, [[Downloading & Installing]], explains how to install OpenRocket. You can look for a <strong>packaged binary</strong> with everything you need, or learn <strong>how to install Java</strong> on your computer (or find out if it is already installed) and then <strong>how to launch OpenRocket</strong>. If you have already managed to launch the program, skip this section. <br /><br />

	[~~http://wiki.openrocket.info/Getting_Started Section 3~~] gets you started. If you are an experienced user you should be able to get most of what is explained there on your own, but we recommend that everyone read it so you can fully understand how OpenRocket is organized. <br /><br />		[[Getting Started]] gets you started. If you are an experienced user you should be able to get most of what is explained there on your own, but we recommend that everyone read it so you can fully understand how OpenRocket is organized. <br /><br />

	From sections [~~http://wiki.openrocket.info/Basic_Rocket_Design 4~~] and [~~http://wiki.openrocket.info/Basic_Flight_Simulation 5~~], you will learn how to design some basic rockets and simulate their flights, using OpenRocket. These sections are useful for both experienced and non-experienced rocketeers, since they basically show how to use most of the software. <br /><br />		From sections [[Basic Rocket Design]] and [[Basic Flight Simulation]], you will learn how to design some basic rockets and simulate their flights, using OpenRocket. These sections are useful for both experienced and non-experienced rocketeers, since they basically show how to use most of the software. <br /><br />

	Sections [~~http://wiki.openrocket.info/Advanced_Rocket_Design 6~~] and [~~http://wiki.openrocket.info/Advanced_Flight_Simulation 7~~] build on the material explained in sections 4 and 5. These sections are meant for experienced rocketeers, since they explain how to use OpenRocket to design more complicated rockets and run simulations with them. <br /><br />		Sections [[Advanced Rocket Design]] and [[Advanced Flight Simulation]] build on the material explained in sections 4 and 5. These sections are meant for experienced rocketeers, since they explain how to use OpenRocket to design more complicated rockets and run simulations with them. <br /><br />

	[~~http://wiki.openrocket.info/Rocket_Analysis Section 8~~] is about analyzing the rocket you have built and optimizing its performance. It is suitable both for experienced and non-experienced users. <br /><br />		[[Rocket Analysis]] is about analyzing the rocket you have built and optimizing its performance. It is suitable both for experienced and non-experienced users. <br /><br />

	[~~http://wiki.openrocket.info/Custom_Expressions Section 9~~] is about <em>Simulation listeners</em>, i.e.; a way to monitor and interact with flight simulations while they are running. It is suitable for experienced users. <br /><br />		[[Custom Expressions]] is about <em>Simulation listeners</em>, i.e.; a way to monitor and interact with flight simulations while they are running. It is suitable for experienced users. <br /><br />
	Finally, [~~http://wiki.openrocket.info/Simulation_Listeners Section 10~~] is about some extra features that have not been, until then, explained. Also, you can have a look at [~~http://wiki.openrocket.info/Component_Details Appendix A~~] for a full list of rocket components available in OpenRocket and their uses. <br /><br />		Finally, [[Simulation Listeners]] is about some extra features that have not been, until then, explained. Also, you can have a look at [[Component Details]] for a full list of rocket components available in OpenRocket and their uses. <br /><br />

	Good reading!		Good reading!

73.54.201.97 at 04:34, 3 December 2020

2020-12-03T04:34:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:34, 3 December 2020
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	Welcome! [[File:Logo.png\|thumb\|800 px\|right\|The OpenRocket logo.]]		Welcome! [[File:Logo.png\|thumb\|800 px\|right\|The OpenRocket logo.]]
	OpenRocket is an open source model rocket simulation software application. It was originally developed by [http://sampo.kapsi.fi/ Sampo Niskanen] in 2009 as part of his master thesis at what was then [https://www.aalto.fi/en/aalto-university/history <em>Helsinki University of Technology</em>]. If you want to have a look at his thesis you can download it from OpenRocket's [http://openrocket.info/documentation.html technical documentation page]. ~~Being written~~ entirely in Java, OpenRocket is fully cross-platform. Have a look at the [[Downloading_%26_Installing\|next section]] if you need information about how to open the program on your computer. <br /><br />		OpenRocket is an open source model rocket simulation software application. It was originally developed by [http://sampo.kapsi.fi/ Sampo Niskanen] in 2009 as part of his master thesis at what was then [https://www.aalto.fi/en/aalto-university/history <em>Helsinki University of Technology</em>]. If you want to have a look at his thesis you can download it from OpenRocket's [http://openrocket.info/documentation.html technical documentation page]. Written entirely in Java, OpenRocket is fully cross-platform. Have a look at the [[Downloading_%26_Installing\|next section]] if you need information about how to open the program on your computer. <br /><br />

	OpenRocket is ~~mainly~~ intended to be used by ~~all~~ rocketeers who ~~intend~~ to test the performance of a model rocket before actually building and flying it. ~~In fact the~~ software computes ~~accurately~~ the aerodynamic properties of rockets and simulates their flight, returning a wide range of technical results. <br /><br />		OpenRocket is intended to be used by rocketeers who want to test the performance of a model rocket before actually building and flying it. The software accurately computes the aerodynamic properties of rockets and simulates their flight, returning a wide range of technical results. <br /><br />

	The program can be roughly divided into two sections: <br /><br />		The program can be roughly divided into two sections: <br /><br />
Line 23:		Line 23:
	== How this guide is organized ==		== How this guide is organized ==

	<strong>Note: since work on the <em>User's Guide</em> is still currently in progress, many sections are still incomplete/empty. This subsection also explains the content of those sections, as it's meant to be a reference when the guide will be completed.</strong> <br /><br />		<strong>Note: since work on the <em>User's Guide</em> is still currently in progress, many sections are still incomplete or empty. This subsection also explains the content of those sections, as it's meant to be a reference when the guide will be completed.</strong> <br /><br />

	This guide ~~will try to explain, as exhaustively as possible,~~ how to ~~fully exploit all of~~ OpenRocket~~'s features~~. ~~Hence it will start off at~~ a ~~relatively basic level and then analyse more and more complicated parts~~ of the ~~software~~. ~~Depending~~ on ~~your level of experience and your learning objectives~~, ~~you should either start reading from a specific section~~, ~~or end reading at a specific section~~. <br /><br />		This guide presents information on how to <em>use</em> OpenRocket. This wiki contains a certain amount of technical information, but the <em>[https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/wiki Developer Wiki]</em> on GitHub has information for developers about building OpenRocket from source, packaging it, and contributing to the project. <br /><br />

	~~The [http://wiki~~.~~openrocket~~.~~info/Downloading_%26_Installing next section] explains <strong>how to install Java</strong>~~ on your ~~computer (or find out if it is already installed)~~ and ~~then <strong>how to launch OpenRocket</strong>. If~~ you ~~have already managed to launch the program~~, ~~skip this~~ section. <br /><br />		We'll try to explain how to fully exploit all of OpenRocket's features. We'll start off at a relatively basic level and then look at more and more complicated parts of the software. Depending on your level of experience and your learning objectives, you should either start reading from a specific section, or end reading at a specific section. <br /><br />

	~~[http://wiki.openrocket.info/Getting_Started~~ Section ~~3] gets you started. If you are an experienced user you should be able to get most of what is explained there on your own~~, ~~but we recommend that most of you read it so that you can fully understand how OpenRocket is organized~~. <br /><br />		You're reading Section 1, the Introduction. <br /><br />

	~~From sections~~ [http://wiki.openrocket.info/~~Basic_Rocket_Design 4~~] ~~and [http://wiki~~.~~openrocket.info~~/~~Basic_Flight_Simulation 5]~~ you ~~will~~ learn how to ~~design some basic rockets~~ and ~~simulate their flights, using~~ OpenRocket. ~~These sections are useful for both experienced and non-experienced model-rocketeers, since they basically show how~~ to ~~use most of~~ the ~~software~~. <br /><br />		The next section, [http://wiki.openrocket.info/Downloading_%26_Installing Section 2], explains how to install OpenRocket. You can look for a <strong>packaged binary</strong> with everything you need, or learn <strong>how to install Java</strong> on your computer (or find out if it is already installed) and then <strong>how to launch OpenRocket</strong>. If you have already managed to launch the program, skip this section. <br /><br />

	~~Sections~~ [http://wiki.openrocket.info/~~Advanced_Rocket_Design 6~~] ~~and [http://wiki~~.~~openrocket.info/Advanced_Flight_Simulation 7] build on the material explained in sections 4 and 5. These sections~~ are ~~meant for~~ experienced ~~model-rocketeers~~, ~~since they explain~~ how ~~to use~~ OpenRocket ~~to design more complicated rockets and run simulations with them~~. <br /><br />		[http://wiki.openrocket.info/Getting_Started Section 3] gets you started. If you are an experienced user you should be able to get most of what is explained there on your own, but we recommend that everyone read it so you can fully understand how OpenRocket is organized. <br /><br />

	[http://wiki.openrocket.info/Rocket_Analysis Section 8] is about ~~analysing~~ the rocket you have built and ~~optimising~~ its performance. It is suitable both for experienced and non-experienced users. <br /><br />		From sections [http://wiki.openrocket.info/Basic_Rocket_Design 4] and [http://wiki.openrocket.info/Basic_Flight_Simulation 5], you will learn how to design some basic rockets and simulate their flights, using OpenRocket. These sections are useful for both experienced and non-experienced rocketeers, since they basically show how to use most of the software. <br /><br />

			Sections [http://wiki.openrocket.info/Advanced_Rocket_Design 6] and [http://wiki.openrocket.info/Advanced_Flight_Simulation 7] build on the material explained in sections 4 and 5. These sections are meant for experienced rocketeers, since they explain how to use OpenRocket to design more complicated rockets and run simulations with them. <br /><br />

			[http://wiki.openrocket.info/Rocket_Analysis Section 8] is about analyzing the rocket you have built and optimizing its performance. It is suitable both for experienced and non-experienced users. <br /><br />

	[http://wiki.openrocket.info/Custom_Expressions Section 9] is about <em>Simulation listeners</em>, i.e.; a way to monitor and interact with flight simulations while they are running. It is suitable for experienced users. <br /><br />		[http://wiki.openrocket.info/Custom_Expressions Section 9] is about <em>Simulation listeners</em>, i.e.; a way to monitor and interact with flight simulations while they are running. It is suitable for experienced users. <br /><br />

73.54.201.97 at 04:19, 3 December 2020

2020-12-03T04:19:40Z

73.54.201.97: Updated 404 link to Aalto University

2020-11-13T03:37:21Z

Updated 404 link to Aalto University

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:37, 13 November 2020
Line 12:		Line 12:

	Welcome! [[File:Logo.png\|thumb\|800 px\|right\|The OpenRocket logo.]]		Welcome! [[File:Logo.png\|thumb\|800 px\|right\|The OpenRocket logo.]]
	OpenRocket is an open source model rocket simulation software application. It was originally developed by [http://sampo.kapsi.fi/ Sampo Niskanen] in 2009 as part of his master thesis at ~~the~~ [~~http~~://www.aalto.fi/en/~~about~~/history~~/tkk/~~ <i>Helsinki University of Technology</i>]. If you want to have a look at his thesis you can download it from OpenRocket's [http://openrocket.info/documentation.html technical documentation page]. Being written entirely in Java, OpenRocket is fully cross-platform. Have a look at the [[Downloading_%26_Installing\|next section]] if you need information about how to open the program on your computer. <br /><br />		OpenRocket is an open source model rocket simulation software application. It was originally developed by [http://sampo.kapsi.fi/ Sampo Niskanen] in 2009 as part of his master thesis at what was then [https://www.aalto.fi/en/aalto-university/history <i>Helsinki University of Technology</i>]. If you want to have a look at his thesis you can download it from OpenRocket's [http://openrocket.info/documentation.html technical documentation page]. Being written entirely in Java, OpenRocket is fully cross-platform. Have a look at the [[Downloading_%26_Installing\|next section]] if you need information about how to open the program on your computer. <br /><br />

	OpenRocket is mainly intended to be used by all rocketeers who intend to test the performance of a model rocket before actually building and flying it. In fact the software computes accurately the aerodynamic properties of rockets and simulates their flight, returning a wide range of technical results. <br /><br />		OpenRocket is mainly intended to be used by all rocketeers who intend to test the performance of a model rocket before actually building and flying it. In fact the software computes accurately the aerodynamic properties of rockets and simulates their flight, returning a wide range of technical results. <br /><br />

73.54.201.97: Clobbered the last SourceForge link on the page. I rule.

2020-11-13T03:32:23Z

Clobbered the last SourceForge link on the page. I rule.

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:32, 13 November 2020
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	The program can be roughly divided into two sections: <br /><br />		The program can be roughly divided into two sections: <br /><br />
	- <b>Rocket design</b>, where you can design the model rocket you intend to build, choosing from a wide range of <b>body components</b>, <b>trapezoidal</b>, <b>elliptical</b> and <b>free-form fins</b>, <b>inner components</b>, and <b>mass objects</b>. During this phase you will see a 2D representation of the rocket you are building and various technical information (<b>size</b>, <b>mass</b>, <b>apogee</b>, <b>max. velocity</b>, <b>max. acceleration</b>, <b>stability</b>, <b>centre of gravity</b> (<b>CG</b>), <b>centre of pressure</b> (<b>CP</b>)) about your rocket, so you can have already a good idea of its performance even before running any simulation. <br />		- <b>Rocket design</b>, where you can design the model rocket you intend to build, choosing from a wide range of <b>body components</b>, <b>trapezoidal</b>, <b>elliptical</b> and <b>free-form fins</b>, <b>inner components</b>, and <b>mass objects</b>. During this phase you will see a 2D representation of the rocket you are building and various technical information (<b>size</b>, <b>mass</b>, <b>apogee</b>, <b>max. velocity</b>, <b>max. acceleration</b>, <b>stability</b>, <b>centre of gravity</b> (<b>CG</b>), <b>centre of pressure</b> (<b>CP</b>)) about your rocket, so you can have already a good idea of its performance even before running any simulation. <br />
	- <b>Flight simulation</b>, where you can run one or more simulations of your rocket's flight, choosing from one or more <b>motor configurations</b>. Each simulation (calculated using the Runge-Kutta 4 simulator) returns a wide range of data about the rocket's flight. Unfortunately, for the moment a graphical visualisation of the rocket's flight is not available ([http://openrocket.~~sourceforge.net~~/~~getinvolved~~.html help needed]). <br /><br />		- <b>Flight simulation</b>, where you can run one or more simulations of your rocket's flight, choosing from one or more <b>motor configurations</b>. Each simulation (calculated using the Runge-Kutta 4 simulator) returns a wide range of data about the rocket's flight. Unfortunately, for the moment a graphical visualisation of the rocket's flight is not available ([http://openrocket.info/contribute.html help needed]). <br /><br />
	For more information about OpenRocket's features and a few screenshots you can have a look [http://openrocket.info/features.html here].		For more information about OpenRocket's features and a few screenshots you can have a look [http://openrocket.info/features.html here].

73.54.201.97: Fixed another SourceForge link

2020-11-13T03:30:50Z

Fixed another SourceForge link

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:30, 13 November 2020
Line 19:		Line 19:
	- <b>Rocket design</b>, where you can design the model rocket you intend to build, choosing from a wide range of <b>body components</b>, <b>trapezoidal</b>, <b>elliptical</b> and <b>free-form fins</b>, <b>inner components</b>, and <b>mass objects</b>. During this phase you will see a 2D representation of the rocket you are building and various technical information (<b>size</b>, <b>mass</b>, <b>apogee</b>, <b>max. velocity</b>, <b>max. acceleration</b>, <b>stability</b>, <b>centre of gravity</b> (<b>CG</b>), <b>centre of pressure</b> (<b>CP</b>)) about your rocket, so you can have already a good idea of its performance even before running any simulation. <br />		- <b>Rocket design</b>, where you can design the model rocket you intend to build, choosing from a wide range of <b>body components</b>, <b>trapezoidal</b>, <b>elliptical</b> and <b>free-form fins</b>, <b>inner components</b>, and <b>mass objects</b>. During this phase you will see a 2D representation of the rocket you are building and various technical information (<b>size</b>, <b>mass</b>, <b>apogee</b>, <b>max. velocity</b>, <b>max. acceleration</b>, <b>stability</b>, <b>centre of gravity</b> (<b>CG</b>), <b>centre of pressure</b> (<b>CP</b>)) about your rocket, so you can have already a good idea of its performance even before running any simulation. <br />
	- <b>Flight simulation</b>, where you can run one or more simulations of your rocket's flight, choosing from one or more <b>motor configurations</b>. Each simulation (calculated using the Runge-Kutta 4 simulator) returns a wide range of data about the rocket's flight. Unfortunately, for the moment a graphical visualisation of the rocket's flight is not available ([http://openrocket.sourceforge.net/getinvolved.html help needed]). <br /><br />		- <b>Flight simulation</b>, where you can run one or more simulations of your rocket's flight, choosing from one or more <b>motor configurations</b>. Each simulation (calculated using the Runge-Kutta 4 simulator) returns a wide range of data about the rocket's flight. Unfortunately, for the moment a graphical visualisation of the rocket's flight is not available ([http://openrocket.sourceforge.net/getinvolved.html help needed]). <br /><br />
	For more information about OpenRocket's features and a few screenshots you can have a look [http://openrocket.~~sourceforge.net~~/features.html here].		For more information about OpenRocket's features and a few screenshots you can have a look [http://openrocket.info/features.html here].

	== How this guide is organized ==		== How this guide is organized ==

73.54.201.97: Fixed SourceForge link to thesis (now on OpenRocket.info)

2020-11-13T03:27:05Z

Fixed SourceForge link to thesis (now on OpenRocket.info)

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:27, 13 November 2020
Line 12:		Line 12:

	Welcome! [[File:Logo.png\|thumb\|800 px\|right\|The OpenRocket logo.]]		Welcome! [[File:Logo.png\|thumb\|800 px\|right\|The OpenRocket logo.]]
	OpenRocket is an ~~opensource~~ model rocket simulation software application. It was originally developed by [http://sampo.kapsi.fi/ Sampo Niskanen] in 2009 as part of his master thesis at the [http://www.aalto.fi/en/about/history/tkk/ <i>Helsinki University of Technology</i>]. If you want to have a look at his thesis you can download it from OpenRocket's [http://openrocket.~~sourceforge.net~~/documentation.html ~~webpage~~]. Being written entirely in Java, OpenRocket is fully cross-platform. Have a look at the [[Downloading_%26_Installing\|next section]] if you need information about how to open the program on your computer. <br /><br />		OpenRocket is an open source model rocket simulation software application. It was originally developed by [http://sampo.kapsi.fi/ Sampo Niskanen] in 2009 as part of his master thesis at the [http://www.aalto.fi/en/about/history/tkk/ <i>Helsinki University of Technology</i>]. If you want to have a look at his thesis you can download it from OpenRocket's [http://openrocket.info/documentation.html technical documentation page]. Being written entirely in Java, OpenRocket is fully cross-platform. Have a look at the [[Downloading_%26_Installing\|next section]] if you need information about how to open the program on your computer. <br /><br />

	OpenRocket is mainly intended to be used by all ~~model-~~rocketeers who intend to test the performance of a model rocket before actually building and flying it. In fact the software computes accurately the aerodynamic properties of ~~model~~ rockets and simulates their flight, returning a wide range of technical results. <br /><br />		OpenRocket is mainly intended to be used by all rocketeers who intend to test the performance of a model rocket before actually building and flying it. In fact the software computes accurately the aerodynamic properties of rockets and simulates their flight, returning a wide range of technical results. <br /><br />

	The program can be roughly divided into two sections: <br /><br />		The program can be roughly divided into two sections: <br /><br />

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:19, 3 December 2020
Line 12:		Line 12:

	Welcome! [[File:Logo.png\|thumb\|800 px\|right\|The OpenRocket logo.]]		Welcome! [[File:Logo.png\|thumb\|800 px\|right\|The OpenRocket logo.]]
	OpenRocket is an open source model rocket simulation software application. It was originally developed by [http://sampo.kapsi.fi/ Sampo Niskanen] in 2009 as part of his master thesis at what was then [https://www.aalto.fi/en/aalto-university/history <i>Helsinki University of Technology</i>]. If you want to have a look at his thesis you can download it from OpenRocket's [http://openrocket.info/documentation.html technical documentation page]. Being written entirely in Java, OpenRocket is fully cross-platform. Have a look at the [[Downloading_%26_Installing\|next section]] if you need information about how to open the program on your computer. <br /><br />		OpenRocket is an open source model rocket simulation software application. It was originally developed by [http://sampo.kapsi.fi/ Sampo Niskanen] in 2009 as part of his master thesis at what was then [https://www.aalto.fi/en/aalto-university/history <em>Helsinki University of Technology</em>]. If you want to have a look at his thesis you can download it from OpenRocket's [http://openrocket.info/documentation.html technical documentation page]. Being written entirely in Java, OpenRocket is fully cross-platform. Have a look at the [[Downloading_%26_Installing\|next section]] if you need information about how to open the program on your computer. <br /><br />

	OpenRocket is mainly intended to be used by all rocketeers who intend to test the performance of a model rocket before actually building and flying it. In fact the software computes accurately the aerodynamic properties of rockets and simulates their flight, returning a wide range of technical results. <br /><br />		OpenRocket is mainly intended to be used by all rocketeers who intend to test the performance of a model rocket before actually building and flying it. In fact the software computes accurately the aerodynamic properties of rockets and simulates their flight, returning a wide range of technical results. <br /><br />

	The program can be roughly divided into two sections: <br /><br />		The program can be roughly divided into two sections: <br /><br />
	- <b>Rocket design</b>, where you can design the model rocket you intend to build, choosing from a wide range of <b>body components</b>, <b>trapezoidal</b>, <b>elliptical</b> and <b>free-form fins</b>, <b>inner components</b>, and <b>mass objects</b>. During this phase you will see a 2D representation of the rocket you are building and various technical information (<b>size</b>, <b>mass</b>, <b>apogee</b>, <b>max. velocity</b>, <b>max. acceleration</b>, <b>stability</b>, <b>centre of gravity</b> (<b>CG</b>), <b>centre of pressure</b> (<b>CP</b>)) about your rocket, so you can have already a good idea of its performance even before running any simulation. <br />		- <strong>Rocket design</strong>, where you can design the model rocket you intend to build, choosing from a wide range of <strong>body components</strong>, <strong>trapezoidal</strong>, <strong>elliptical</strong> and <strong>free-form fins</strong>, <strong>inner components</strong>, and <strong>mass objects</strong>. During this phase you will see a 2D representation of the rocket you are building and various technical information (<strong>size</strong>, <strong>mass</strong>, <strong>apogee</strong>, <strong>max. velocity</strong>, <strong>max. acceleration</strong>, <strong>stability</strong>, <strong>centre of gravity</strong> (<strong>CG</strong>), <strong>centre of pressure</strong> (<strong>CP</strong>)) about your rocket, so you can have already a good idea of its performance even before running any simulation. <br />
	- <b>Flight simulation</b>, where you can run one or more simulations of your rocket's flight, choosing from one or more <b>motor configurations</b>. Each simulation (calculated using the Runge-Kutta 4 simulator) returns a wide range of data about the rocket's flight. Unfortunately, for the moment a graphical ~~visualisation~~ of the rocket's flight is not available ([http://openrocket.info/contribute.html help needed]). <br /><br />		- <strong>Flight simulation</strong>, where you can run one or more simulations of your rocket's flight, choosing from one or more <strong>motor configurations</strong>. Each simulation (calculated using the Runge-Kutta 4 simulator) returns a wide range of data about the rocket's flight. Unfortunately, for the moment a graphical visualization of the rocket's flight is not available ([http://openrocket.info/contribute.html help needed]). <br /><br />
	For more information about OpenRocket's features and a few screenshots you can have a look [http://openrocket.info/features.html here].		For more information about OpenRocket's features and a few screenshots you can have a look [http://openrocket.info/features.html here].

	== How this guide is organized ==		== How this guide is organized ==

	<b>Note: since work on the <i>User's Guide</i> is still currently in progress, many sections are still incomplete/empty. This subsection also explains the content of those sections, as it's meant to be a reference when the guide will be completed.</b> <br /><br />		<strong>Note: since work on the <em>User's Guide</em> is still currently in progress, many sections are still incomplete/empty. This subsection also explains the content of those sections, as it's meant to be a reference when the guide will be completed.</strong> <br /><br />

	This guide will try to explain, as exhaustively as possible, how to fully exploit all of OpenRocket's features. Hence it will start off at a relatively basic level and then analyse more and more complicated parts of the software. Depending on your level of experience and your learning objectives, you should either start reading from a specific section, or end reading at a specific section. <br /><br />		This guide will try to explain, as exhaustively as possible, how to fully exploit all of OpenRocket's features. Hence it will start off at a relatively basic level and then analyse more and more complicated parts of the software. Depending on your level of experience and your learning objectives, you should either start reading from a specific section, or end reading at a specific section. <br /><br />

	The [http://wiki.openrocket.info/Downloading_%26_Installing next section] explains <b>how to install Java</b> on your computer (or find out if it is already installed) and then <b>how to launch OpenRocket</b>. If you have already managed to launch the program, skip this section. <br /><br />		The [http://wiki.openrocket.info/Downloading_%26_Installing next section] explains <strong>how to install Java</strong> on your computer (or find out if it is already installed) and then <strong>how to launch OpenRocket</strong>. If you have already managed to launch the program, skip this section. <br /><br />

	[http://wiki.openrocket.info/Getting_Started Section 3] gets you started. If you are an experienced user you should be able to get most of what is explained there on your own, but we recommend that most of you read it so that you can fully understand how OpenRocket is organized. <br /><br />		[http://wiki.openrocket.info/Getting_Started Section 3] gets you started. If you are an experienced user you should be able to get most of what is explained there on your own, but we recommend that most of you read it so that you can fully understand how OpenRocket is organized. <br /><br />
Line 37:		Line 37:
	[http://wiki.openrocket.info/Rocket_Analysis Section 8] is about analysing the rocket you have built and optimising its performance. It is suitable both for experienced and non-experienced users. <br /><br />		[http://wiki.openrocket.info/Rocket_Analysis Section 8] is about analysing the rocket you have built and optimising its performance. It is suitable both for experienced and non-experienced users. <br /><br />

	[http://wiki.openrocket.info/Custom_Expressions Section 9] is about <i>Simulation listeners</i>, i.e.; a way to monitor and interact with flight simulations while they are running. It is suitable for experienced users. <br /><br />		[http://wiki.openrocket.info/Custom_Expressions Section 9] is about <em>Simulation listeners</em>, i.e.; a way to monitor and interact with flight simulations while they are running. It is suitable for experienced users. <br /><br />
	Finally, [http://wiki.openrocket.info/Simulation_Listeners Section 10] is about some extra features that have not been, until then, explained. Also, you can have a look at [http://wiki.openrocket.info/Component_Details Appendix A] for a full list of rocket components available in OpenRocket and their uses. <br /><br />		Finally, [http://wiki.openrocket.info/Simulation_Listeners Section 10] is about some extra features that have not been, until then, explained. Also, you can have a look at [http://wiki.openrocket.info/Component_Details Appendix A] for a full list of rocket components available in OpenRocket and their uses. <br /><br />