Design, Analysis, Assembly, and Test of a High-Powered Model Rocket

Brumble, Nathan; Silva, Bryan; McAfee, Cameron; Matthews, Claire; Duval, Abigail; Kelly, Melissa; Doyle, Robert

Student Work

Design, Analysis, Assembly, and Test of a High-Powered Model Rocket

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This report details the development of a high-powered model rocket capable of reaching an altitude of 1500 feet. The Airframe and Recovery Systems (ARS), Flight Dynamics and Analysis (FDA), and Propulsion, Thermal, and Separation System (PTSS) subgroups designed, modeled, and analyzed the completed project pre- and post-flight. The ARS subgroup designed, fabricated, and assembled the overall mechanical structure and integration of other subsystems. The FDA subgroup analyzed the aerodynamic loads on the vehicle during flight, selected, simulated, and integrated various sensors for flight and vehicle dynamics, and analyzed and simulated the rocket’s performance. The PTSS subgroup selected, modeled, and tested the rocket motor and analyzed the thermal loads from the motor during flight. All subgroups worked in coordination to completely develop this project. By utilizing a test can for the fin layup, the ARS subgroup determined that the carbon fiber layup was strong and could withstand a harsh landing. Using Ansys Fluent and custom software, the FDA subgroup was able to accurately model the flight of the rocket. From a SolidWorks model, the PTSS subgroup found using COMSOL that the thermal loads on the motor mount would not negatively impact its structural integrity. Furthermore, the ANSYS simulations supported this finding for the linear application of the motor’s maximum thrust value.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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