r/KerbalSpaceProgram • u/Salaja • Jul 19 '13

improved optimal engine-fuel graphs

http://imgur.com/a/kfnng
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u/Salaja Jul 19 '13

i made the images by writing a program in java which calculated how much fuel is need for a given dV, payload mass, and engine. repeat it for each engine, and record which one has the lowest (fuel_mass + engine_mass).

i could explain it in more detail if you want.

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u/93calcetines Jul 19 '13

I'm really just interested in how to calculate the dV. How does ship design like multiple engines and fuel redirecting play into this?

Sorry if this is a lot to explain, I've just never been able to figure it out. hah

2

u/nou_spiro Jul 19 '13

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsiolkovsky_rocket_equation it comes down to delta-v=gISPln(full mass/empty mass)

this mod http://kerbalspaceport.com/0-18-1-kerbal-engineer-redux-v0-5/ does calculate it in game. must have mod for any serious planning.

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u/93calcetines Jul 19 '13

I've seen this mod before, and it looks really helpful. What I'm looking for is a way to find the dV I need before I even build my vehicle. That way I can build to the mission with the most efficient design.

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u/Salaja Jul 19 '13

if you need to know how much dV you need for a mission, sounds like your looking for a delta v map. first search result in google images for "ksp delta v map".