× We have recently moved to a new server and are aware of issues with some images, the Rocksim library, and creating a new account. If you run into any other issues, please let us know through the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page. Thanks for visiting RocketReviews.

 

Rocketry Glossary

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Ballistic Coefficient

A measure of a projectile's ability to coast. It is defined as Cb = M/CdA where M is the projectile's mass and CdA is the Drag Form Factor (q.v.). At any given velocity and air density, the deceleration of a rocket from drag is inversely proportional to this value. Intuitively, it is the principle behind why a tightly crumpled piece of paper can be thrown farther than a loosely crumpled one.


   

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z