For Stage-0 of the project you will read/study/analyze a simplified version of the core rocket code. The work you do in this simple practice will mirror the the work we do with the proper simulation code. The practice code will model simple ballistic flight - this is the cannonball activity, but using python. You need to insert the core linear model/approximation math as python code and then run the simulation. The code will take care of the repeated calculations that you did with the Cannonball worksheet, and the code will plot the graphs of acceleration, velocity, and position.

Download the Stage-0 Cannonball file and open it in Spyder.

The file has comment statements for most the lines to help you interpret the code. Key instructions in the code need you to insert the math to make it function. These lines are identified by the comments. For example

vy.append( ) # insert python math to compute the new velocity

You need to insert the appropriate math formatted correctly in python syntax inside the ( )'s. After you've inserted all the math, run the program. There are two kinds of errors you will likely encounter.

Syntax errors where you've incorrectly formatted your python code. The Console pane in the lower right of the Spyder window will list the line number where you have the error. The first syntax error will halt the program. You will need to determine what the syntax problem is, fix it, and then run the program again.
Logic errors are when all your syntax is correct and the program is running fine, but the results are incorrect. In our case it may be that your math equation is incorrect but your syntax is fine. For example, maybe you are subtracting something when you should be adding it.

Referring to your Cannonball work will be helpful. Here's a link to the Cannonball assignment.

When you have fixed all your syntax and logic errors, you should get familiar graphs. At that point call me over to verify your work.

Good luck!

You may discuss the code with each other but your code comments must be in your own words. Work through the code and update all the # ??.