This paper describes the design, analysis, assembly, and test of a high-powered model rocket designed to use an actively controlled set of grid fins for stabilization, and a cold gas thruster for its terminal descent. The grid fins and mechanical separation system were modeled using SOLIDWORKS and 3D printed for testing. Aerodynamic loads on the vehicle airframe, grid fins, and stabilizing fins were evaluated using in Ansys Fluent. Results were used as inputs to a dynamical simulation of the vehicle trajectory and attitude. Ansys Workbench was used for structural analysis. Cantera and COMSOL were used to model the chemical equilibrium reaction and evaluate the temperature distribution in the motor. MATLAB was used to evaluate ideal performance of the solid motor and cold gas thruster.

• 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.

Creator

• Bigwood, Julia
• Mitkov, Alec
• Schrader, Christian M.
• Connor, Robert S.
• Kuhnle, Caroline A.
• Ternent, James W.
• Rutkowski, Nathaniel G.
• Gilbert, Colby J.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 17441
• E-project-041321-154114

Advisor

• Blandino, John J.

Year

• 2021

Date created

• 2021-04-13

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Aerospace Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright