Aerospace engineering

Name: Arsalaan Abbas

Class Period: 2A

Teacher: Robert, Dhal

Home campus: Wakeland High school 

Evolution Of flight

Project Process

My group worked together to research the history, engineering principles, and long-term impact of liquid-propellant rockets. We organized our findings into a presentation covering the first successful launch in 1926, Goddard’s motivations and challenges, the underlying technologies used in liquid rocket engines, and how these ideas influenced future rocket development. I helped gather research, organize information into slides, and design visuals that made the presentation more engaging and easier to understand. We also learned how to present technical aerospace concepts in a clear and concise way.

What I learned/Personal Reflection

This project helped me better understand how important early aerospace innovations were to modern engineering. Before this project, I knew rockets were important for space travel, but I did not fully understand how much modern aerospace technology traces back to Robert Goddard’s experiments in the 1920s. I also learned how engineering breakthroughs often begin with years of research, experimentation, and failure before becoming successful. Overall, this project strengthened both my interest in aerospace engineering and my ability to research and present technical information as part of a team.

Glider Project

Project Objective

The objective of this project was to design, build, and test a wooden glider capable of achieving long, stable, and straight flight. My group used AERY aerospace simulation software to analyze important aerodynamic variables such as lift, drag, center of gravity, wing span, and stability. Using these simulations, we designed a glider that balanced lightweight construction with aerodynamic efficiency while staying within the project material constraints.

Project Process

My group began by designing a glider planform and testing different dimensions using AERY software simulations. We adjusted variables such as wing area, aspect ratio, center of gravity, and weight distribution to improve lift and reduce drag. After finalizing our design, we constructed the glider using balsa wood and basswood while carefully shaping and sanding the components to improve aerodynamic performance. Once completed, we conducted multiple flight tests and collected performance data including distance traveled, time aloft, velocity, pitch stability, and directional stability. Throughout the testing process, we made adjustments to improve balance and maintain straighter flight paths.

What I Learned / Personal Reflection

This project helped me better understand how aerodynamic principles directly affect aircraft performance. I learned how factors such as lift, drag, aspect ratio, and center of gravity work together to influence stability and flight distance. One of the most interesting parts of the project was seeing how even very small adjustments in weight distribution or wing alignment could significantly change the glider’s performance. I also enjoyed using simulation software alongside physical testing because it showed how aerospace engineers use both digital analysis and real-world experimentation during the design process. Overall, this project increased my interest in aerospace engineering and gave me hands-on experience with aerodynamics, testing, and iterative design.

Effects of Microgravity on the Human Body Presentation

Project Objective

The objective of this project was to research how microgravity affects the human digestive system during space travel. My group studied how the body functions differently in space compared to Earth and explored the physical changes astronauts experience in microgravity environments. We also researched current space medicine studies and methods used to help astronauts maintain healthy body functions during long-duration missions.

Project Process

My group worked together to research the digestive system and how it is impacted by microgravity. We created a presentation explaining how gravity normally assists body functions on Earth and how those processes change in space. I helped research topics such as fluid shifting, digestion changes, and the effects of altered gravity on the human body. We organized our findings into slides with visuals and scientific information to clearly explain the topic and make the presentation engaging.

What I Learned / Personal Reflection

This project helped me better understand the connection between aerospace engineering and human health. Before this project, I mostly thought about spacecraft and rockets when thinking about space travel, but I learned that keeping astronauts healthy is just as important. I found it interesting how even basic body functions can change in microgravity and how much research is required before humans can travel deeper into space. Overall, this project increased my interest in the scientific and human side of aerospace engineering while also improving my research and presentation skills.

Space Propulsion Presentation

Project Objective

The objective of this project was to research and present a spacecraft propulsion system used in aerospace engineering. My group focused on electric propulsion systems and studied how they generate thrust, where they are most efficient, and how they are used in modern spacecraft and deep space missions. We also explored the advantages and limitations of electric propulsion compared to traditional chemical rocket systems.

Project Process

My group worked together to research the components and applications of electric propulsion systems. We created a presentation explaining how electrical energy is converted into thrust and why electric propulsion is especially useful for long-duration space missions. I helped research examples of real spacecraft that use electric propulsion and organized information about propulsion efficiency, fuel usage, and deep space applications. We designed slides with visuals and aerospace examples to clearly explain the engineering concepts and make the presentation engaging.

What I Learned / Personal Reflection

This project helped me better understand how spacecraft propulsion systems operate beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Before this project, I mostly associated propulsion with traditional rocket launches, but I learned that electric propulsion can be much more efficient for long-term missions in space. I found it interesting how spacecraft can use electricity and ionized particles to generate thrust over long periods of time. Overall, this project strengthened my understanding of aerospace technology and increased my interest in advanced space exploration systems and engineering design

Rocket Project

Project Objective

The objective of this project was to test and analyze model rocket engines and understand how rocket propulsion systems work. Our group investigated how different rocket engines produced thrust over time and how engineers use testing data to improve rocket performance, stability, and safety. We also studied how force data can be graphed and compared between engine types.

Project Process

My group used a secured engine testing stand with clamps, a force sensor, and computer software to safely test multiple rocket engines. During each test, the software recorded the thrust force produced over time, which allowed us to create and analyze force-versus-time graphs for each engine. I helped observe the engine tests, review the collected data, and analyze differences in thrust curves between the rocket motors. We compared engine performance and discussed how variations in thrust affect rocket acceleration and flight behavior.

What I Learned / Personal Reflection

This project helped me better understand how rocket propulsion systems are tested before actual launches. I learned how engineers collect real performance data using sensors and graph analysis instead of relying only on calculations. I also learned that different engines produce thrust differently over time, which impacts the rocket’s stability and efficiency during flight. Overall, this project improved my understanding of aerospace testing methods, propulsion physics, and engineering analysis.

GPS route planning

Project Objective

The objective of this project was to understand the fundamentals of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and how they are utilized in both local ground navigation and commercial aviation. I researched how latitude, longitude, and altitude are used to define precise locations on Earth and learned how to calculate distances and headings between specific waypoints to create a functional route.

Project Process

My process involved a two-part mapping analysis using digital navigation tools. First, I performed Local Mapping by identifying a school campus area and establishing a series of waypoints. I used digital tools to determine the distance (m) and heading (deg) between nine specific coordinates, recording the data in a technical spreadsheet. Second, I completed a Flight Plan for a Boeing 737 using SkyVector, calculating a cross-country route across five different airports and organizing the airport codes into a formal information table.

What I learned/ Personal Reflection

This project gave me a practical look at how aerospace professionals and pilots plan their movements through three-dimensional space. I learned that navigation requires extreme precision; even a small error in a heading calculation can lead a craft miles off course over long distances. Seeing the transition from local ground-based coordinates to national flight paths helped me understand the scale and mathematical accuracy required in aerospace engineering and logistics.