Below is my Report for my composite rocket design. In the report I go over each step on how I came up with the idea and design of my rocket, to the results and final production of my composite rocket. I though that this was by far the coolest project that we did in the class, and I really enjoyed the challenges of producing my own rocket design.
Composite Rocket Design Report
Step 1: Define the Problem
Client: Department of Defense.
Target Consumer: United States Department of Defense or anyone who is looking for an accurate rocket that can hit specific spots from various distances.
Define the Problem: An enemy of the United States of America has threatened a nuclear attack in the imminent future. Create rocket that can disarm nuclear launch sites in enemy territory.
Constraints: Must have piece connected to rocket that will hold rocket on launcher. Must have parachute connected to inside of rocket body and nose cone. Can not be taller than two feet. Can not have a diameter larger than two inches. Must use designated A3-6 Estes Rocket Engine.
Step 2: Generate Ideas
Research:
The center of pressure is the point where the total sum of a pressure field acts on a body, causing a force to act through that point. Center of gravity is average point of mass in a rocket. Both of these affect the way the rocket is set up and designed.
Composite Rocket Design Report
Step 1: Define the Problem
Client: Department of Defense.
Target Consumer: United States Department of Defense or anyone who is looking for an accurate rocket that can hit specific spots from various distances.
Define the Problem: An enemy of the United States of America has threatened a nuclear attack in the imminent future. Create rocket that can disarm nuclear launch sites in enemy territory.
Constraints: Must have piece connected to rocket that will hold rocket on launcher. Must have parachute connected to inside of rocket body and nose cone. Can not be taller than two feet. Can not have a diameter larger than two inches. Must use designated A3-6 Estes Rocket Engine.
Step 2: Generate Ideas
Research:
The center of pressure is the point where the total sum of a pressure field acts on a body, causing a force to act through that point. Center of gravity is average point of mass in a rocket. Both of these affect the way the rocket is set up and designed.
Most Model rockets have 4 to 3 fins and have a long narrow fuselage. For the nose cone, the shape depends on the amount of fins. In the picture with 4 rockets lined up, the bigger the base and fins are, the bigger the nose cone is. For most model rockets, the rocket only has 3 fins so the nose cone can be a lot smaller and pointer. The engine for the rocket should be at the base between the fins, and can be held by a cylinder piece at the base of the fuselage.
Concepts:
Concepts:
Justification of Solution: This design has a good balance of weight distribution between fuselage, nose cone, and the rocket’s base.
Step 3: Develop A Solution
Technical Sketch:
Step 3: Develop A Solution
Technical Sketch:
Every 2 squares equals 1 inch
3-D Inventor Model:
3-D Inventor Model:
Step 4: Construct and a Prototype
Step 5: Reflect
Prototype Evaluation: I had to reprint my nose cone and fins for my rocket because of the sizing, but the second ones fitted appropriately. I also had to cut down my fuselage compared to the original design. I thought that by cutting down the fuselage size, that it gave a rocket a more balanced feel between top and bottom weight. My first trial, the rocket engine flew out the bottom of the engine holder, a fin broke off, the rocket did not travel far, and the parachute did not deploy. After I glued in the engine, glued in the rocket engine holder, and glued the fin back together, my rocket flew significantly more, and the parachute deployed.
Prototype Evaluation: I had to reprint my nose cone and fins for my rocket because of the sizing, but the second ones fitted appropriately. I also had to cut down my fuselage compared to the original design. I thought that by cutting down the fuselage size, that it gave a rocket a more balanced feel between top and bottom weight. My first trial, the rocket engine flew out the bottom of the engine holder, a fin broke off, the rocket did not travel far, and the parachute did not deploy. After I glued in the engine, glued in the rocket engine holder, and glued the fin back together, my rocket flew significantly more, and the parachute deployed.