WORLD WIDE WEB — A new open-source simulation software project is nearing completion, having recently entered the beta testing phase. Lawndart is an open-source model rocket simulator written for Linux users, developed due to the lack of a sophisticated model rocket simulator for Linux, and the lack of open-source model rocket simulators in general. 

"While Lawndart was developed for Linux, it should be easily portable to other operating systems, and official ports are planned for the future," stated developer Sean Wells.  Having just entered the beta phase, Wells is seeking individuals who would be interested in testing the software before it is released to the general public.

Well states that while some experience with building and running Linux/Unix software is preferable, it is not a necessity.

As of now, and for the first few versions, Lawndart's capabilities are limited to a basic one-dimensional, two degree-of-freedom simulation.  These limitations are imposed by the developer in order to properly test the software's basic capabilities and infrastructure.  This will change in the future as new capabilities and features are developed and tested. 

Future features:

• Building a rocket up from parts
• Network output of flight data
• Visualization of flight
• 3D View of rocket
• Calculation of Center of Gravity
• Calculation of Center of Pressure
• Effects of wind
• Effects of launch rod angle

If you are interested in testing the software, want to stay informed on the software's development or just want to ask for additional information, you may contact the developer at: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

Website: http://www.lawndartsim.org