1st year independent project

Rocket Control System: Design Proposal (23-24)

Introduction

The Rocket Control System is a mechanism that can be installed in a rocket to modify its center of gravity during the launch sequence and in flight. This system is used to adjust the CoG in situations where there is a significant amount of mass being dropped through payloads or a large amount of fuel is being consumed rapidly. The mechanism primarily falls under Mechanical Engineering, with some involvement in Computer Engineering. It makes use of a moving track with a counterweight to modify the CoG, which is all operated by an Arduino Nano and a tilt sensor.

Objectives

The main objective of this project is to use the center of mass of a rocket to stabilize it while dropping payloads mid-flight. The plan is to build an effective rocket using model rocket kits instead of creating one from scratch. An Arduino board will be used to maintain the code within the motor and other components of the rocket. The primary aim of the project is to determine how quickly the rocket can stabilize itself and deliver its payload.

Design Strategy 

To build the rocket successfully, the base must be big enough to accommodate the subsystems of the Arduino. Additionally, the center of mass should be in the middle of the rocket to launch it without any issues. We start building the rocket from the base and then add the attachments later in the process. The parts inside the rocket might need to be changed after one or two tests. During the building stage, it's crucial to wear protective gloves and glasses to avoid any injuries while cutting the wood for the fins or any attachments. To ensure a safe launch, the rocket needs a parachute system that can deploy when it's near the ground. As this project requires a wide and open space, safety is a significant concern for other people. Apart from figuring out how the center of mass changes, the engineers will also try to stabilize the rocket from launch to mid-flight.

Plan of Action

• Study how a rocket works and determine how to implement this.

• study mechanical engineering to understand the basics of mechanics. 

• Obtain resources needed for the project to connect all systems.

• Test

• Make redesigns and adjustments

• Repeat these two steps until the final is complete ^^

• Show the final project.

Verification 

Testing Procedures: The system will be tested on performance, how much data can be gathered and what happens to the rockets. Meaning what could come from the rocket when the center of mass changes. Step 1 check and make sure the rocket is secure and in an open location. step 2 launch rocket and record data of what happened to rocket step 3 repeat until desired results are met at constant.  Step 3 try and figure out how to stabilize the rockeet if something goes wrong with the rocket.

Tolerance analysis: The mechanics use an Arduino Nano board, motor, and wireless receiver. the motor changes where the object inside the rocket goes either upward or downward. The rocket data will be collected visually with help from trusted adults if necessary. 

• Cost & Schedule Underline = Given free of charge by JFCTC

• Cost: Arduino Nano Board ($6), Motor ($4), Tilt Sensor ($5), Model Rocket ($0), Model Rocket Igniters ($12ea), Track System ($?) - Projected Cost ($27)

• Schedule: 

• 10/09 - 10/13: Research & Planning

• 10/16 - 10/20: Building & Testing Rocket

• 10/23 - 10/25: Redesign Rocket

• 10/25 - 10/27: Build Mechanism & Re-Test Rocket

• 10/28 - 11/01: Make Final Revisions & More Tests

• Bibliography:

• Rocket aerodynamics. Science Learning Hub. (n.d.). https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/392-rocket-aerodynamics

• “What Is Center of Mass? (Article).” Khan Academy, Khan Academy, 2016, www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/linear-momentum/center-of-mass/a/what-is-center-of-mass.

• “Welcome to How Things Fly.” How Things Fly, howthingsfly.si.edu/aerodynamics. Accessed 10 Oct. 2023.

• “Model Rocket Safety Code - National Association of Rocketry.” NAR, 19 Sept. 2022, www.nar.org/safety-information/model-rocket-safety-code/.

• Wijoon, and Instructables. “Building a Model Rocket - Introduction.” Instructables, Instructables, 26 Oct. 2017, www.instructables.com/Building-a-Model-Rocket-Introduction/.