Re: Acceleration Mass Equation

I think what you are looking for is the "Classical Rocket Equation",
which
is:

e^(v/c) = M0/M1

where:

v = the final velocity of the spacecraft,
c = the exhaust velocity of the reaction mass out the tailpipe,
M0 = the initial mass of the spacecraft (with full fuel tanks), and
M1 = the final mass of the spacecraft, after the burn.

However, this does not really address "constant acceleration", in that,
for
a given exhaust velocity, your actual acceleration will increase over
time
because your mass is (rapidly) decreasing.  You can extend your fuel
life
somewhat by forcing a constant acceleration, but the final effect is the
same.  (Incidently, probably a more useful way of looking at the "final"
velocity is as "Delta-V" or the total change in velocity [speed and
direction].)
Unfortunately, what you'll find is a) it requires a HUGE amount of fuel
to
move yer rocket with any alacrity, so really usable Space Battleships
won't
be using a reaction drive at all, and so your "fuel use with
acceleration"
can probably be anything you want it to be...

bTa

-----Original Message-----
From: Phillip E. Pournelle <pepourne@nps.navy.mil>
To: FTGZG-L@bolton.ac.uk <FTGZG-L@bolton.ac.uk>
Date: Thursday, August 20, 1998 12:20 PM
Subject: Acceleration Mass Equation

> Could someone send me the equation that explains the amount of mass
>consumed by fuel for continuous acceleration?
> How do you access the Archinves?
> Phil P.
>
>Gort, Klaatu barada nikto!