Question

Gravity and drag both reduce the maximum altitude that a rocket can reach, increasing the cost of rocket flights. This study hypothesizes that rockets with a smoother surface will experience less drag and reach higher altitudes, given the same thrust as rockets with rough surfaces. To test this hypothesis, three identical model rockets were constructed and given finishes with varying degrees of surface smoothness: roughed with 40-grit sandpaper, unfinished, and glossed. Each rocket was outfitted with B5-4 motors and flown ten times. Flight results support the initial hypothesis, with the roughened-surface rocket reaching the apogee point at the lowest altitude and the glossed-surface rocket reaching it at the highest. In conclusion, the findings suggest that smoother surface finishes can reduce the drag force enough to affect altitude, thereby potentially increasing rocket efficiency and reducing fuel costs.
Who is the primary audience?

Answer 1

The primary audience is an educational/hobbyist one — e.g., high‑school or undergraduate students, science‑fair judges and teachers, and amateur model‑rocketry enthusiasts. The simple experiment, use of B5‑4 motors, and clear classroom-style hypothesis/test/conclusion format target that community.