KINDLEVAN

Overview

KINDLEVAN is Tufts Rocketry's entry in the 10k COTS category for the International Rocketry Engineering Competition (IREC) set to take place in June 2026. HODGE is a dual-deploy rocket  6.17 inches in diameter and 9.75 feet in length. The main goal for this rocket is to reach ten thousand feet at apogee. This year, the team focused on the development of active air brakes, advanced SRAD avionics, and extensive validation testing.

Summary

In the fall, my work focused primarily on the aerostructures subsystem, with an emphasis on structural analysis, optimization, and design validation. I contributed to the design and refinement of several key structural components, including the removable fin system, avionics bay, and aluminum components. I instructed members in conducting finite element analysis on critical load-bearing components such as the thrust plate, payload structure, and avionics bay bulkheads to ensure the rocket maintained appropriate factors of safety under the expected flight loads. I also helped refine bolt load calculators I had developed last year to evaluate fasteners under tensile and shear loading, which standardized structural validation across the rocket. In addition, I participated in material characterization and testing campaigns, including tensile and lap shear testing on composite and bonded materials using the Instron machine. The results were used to validate safety factors provided by bolt load calculators, inform material selection for the removeable fins, and confirm adhesive bond strengths. 

During the spring semester, my work shifted toward manufacturing, integration, and structural implementation of the systems. I assisted in organizing build sessions and coordinating subsystem integration as the project moved from design into fabrication. I was involved in the CNC milling of aluminum components, while also assisting with composite work and post-processing tasks on the fiberglass airframe. A major focus was the assembly and integration of the modular aerostructures systems, including the removable fins and air brake assembly, ensuring proper alignment, fit, and structural integrity throughout the vehicle. I also contributed to improving overall organization and manufacturability by helping implement standardized part tracking and documentation methods within the CAD environment. These experiences allowed me to strengthen both my technical understanding of aerospace structures and my ability to work collaboratively in a large-scale engineering project.

Technical Report

Note: I contributed exclusively to sections of this technical report related to aerospace structures and the mechanical team's work. My responsibilities were limited to those areas and do not extend to content outside that scope.