A spaceship with a thruster - one body, one force
arXiv:physics/0406150 · doi:10.1119/1.1858451
Abstract
A spaceship with one thruster producing a constant magnitude force is analyzed for various initial conditions. This elementary problem, with one object acted upon by one force, has value as a challenge to one's physical intuition and in demonstrating the benefits and limitations of dimensional analysis. In addition, the problem can serve to introduce a student to special functions, provide a mechanical model for Fresnel integrals and the associated Cornu spiral, or be used as an example in a numerical methods course. The problem has some interesting and perhaps unexpected features.
arXiv comment8 pages, 12 figures. Submitted to the American Journal of Physics. After it is published, it will be found at http://scitation.aip.org/ajp