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You can read through our code here:stress_graphs.m
Calculating the compressive stresses within the rocket.
If we perform a free body analysis of a cut rocket (modelling the rocket as a single large beam), we can compute the expected compressive stress at each axial location on the rocket using:
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where m(x ) is the mass above position x, a is the instantaneous acceleration of the rocket, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and D'(x ) is the drag component acting on the rocket above position x. x is the axial location you are interested in, measured from the tip.
The derivation and a detailed explanation of how to use this formula is available here:
Compressive_Loads_Analysis.pdf