I assume you are talking about a model rocket. Center of pressure needs to be below center of gravity in order for the rocket to fly straight. Mathematically, the rocket will tilt around the center of gravity but appear to be pushed from the center of pressure, hence the need for the center of pressure to be below the center of gravity, otherwise the rocket will just corkscrew off the pad. The fins move the center of pressure down.
the pressure changes by how deep you are below see level because of gravity?
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It's not. By your use of the term "center of pressure" I'll make a guess that you're talking about model rocketry. In that case, the center of pressure can be above or below the center of gravity, but you must make it lower in order to make your rocket stable.When a rocket in flight is tipped - say by a gust of wind or some such - it rotates about its center of gravity. (This actually is true of any object in mid air or space, not supported by an outside force.) When the rocket is moving straight along its central axis the fins are not really doing anything. But when the rocket is tipped and its velocity vector is not along its axis, then the fins generate a lateral force, which acts through the center of pressure. (That's what "center of pressure" means.) Now, if the center of pressure is above the center of gravity then the force that the fins apply will make the rocket tip further, and the rocket is unstable. If the center of pressure is below the center of gravity then the force from the fins straightens the rocket out, and the rocket is stable.This is much easier to explain with pictures. See the related link for a fully illustrated explanation.
The center of pressure in a rocket is the point where the total aerodynamic force acts, resulting from the pressure distribution over the rocket's surface. It typically lies below the center of gravity when the rocket is in flight, ensuring stability. The exact location can vary based on the rocket's shape, speed, and angle of attack, and it is crucial for maintaining controlled flight and preventing tumbling. Proper design ensures that the center of gravity remains ahead of the center of pressure for stable flight.
I'm going to guess it's for easier guidance. If center of pressure were above CG, you'd blast your rocket so that's out, we're not pulling here, we're pushing. If CP is below but too close to CG, you would have a balancing issue. Try to balance a tall object such as a broom on your hand. It's much easier to do than balancing a short object such as a pen. Easier to correct and stay under CG, with more distance.
"The Center of Pressure must be behind the center of gravity to have a stable rocket." Information obtained from a 1988 Scholastic Futures Publishing document titled "Moving Goods and People Through Space" written by Bruce Barrnes Answer posted by Jonathan Bogardus Transportation/Aerospace Technology Teacher Walton Central School District; Walton, NY.
As the intensity of pressure increases with depth so for an inclined surface CP is bellow CG. Center of gravity : a point from which the weight of a body or system may be considered to act. In uniform gravity it is the same as the center of mass.
gravity
below the centroid
The relationship between the center of buoyancy and the center of gravity in an object's stability in water is that for an object to be stable, the center of gravity must be located below the center of buoyancy. This ensures that the object will remain upright and not tip over in the water.
The center of pressure is typically located below the centroid in fluid mechanics because it accounts for the distribution of pressure forces acting on a submerged surface. While the centroid represents the geometric center, the center of pressure considers the varying hydrostatic pressure, which increases with depth. This results in a moment arm that causes the resultant force to act at a lower point, thereby positioning the center of pressure below the centroid. This phenomenon is crucial in analyzing the stability and behavior of submerged bodies.
The center of gravity (CG) should be located slightly forward of the center of pressure (CP) to ensure stable flight. This is known as having a positive stability margin. The specific distance will vary depending on the rocket design and intended flight characteristics.