Week 4: Rocket and Planes

Overview

Using Styrofoam, index cards, and rubber bands, we created a model plane that can fly when thrown. We also made a plane that runs on a motor and propeller, using tape and the same materials. Then, we made a stomp rocket using paper, snow cones, foam pipe, pvc pipe, water bottle. Finally, we built a functional 1 stage rocket containing a CO₂ detector.

Design Process:

To start the week, made a model plane from Styrofoam. At first, we had some trouble with the instructions, but we came together and figured out that we needed to sand the wings to make it more aerodynamic. Using index cards for the tail and rubber bands to keep everything together. We tested our plane by throwing it from about 15 ft high, and it stayed in the air for about 4 seconds. Using the same materials as the first plane, we built another plane that used a motor and propellor. It was able to stay in the air longer than the first one, even though it was thrown from ground level. Then, we made a stomp rocket using an empty water bottle connected to foam and pvc pipes. Stomping on the water bottle propelled the paper rocket into the air. Using index cards, similarly to the first plane, we were able to make the rocket more aerodynamic. Finally, we built a 1 stage rocket that deploys a CO₂ detector. The building process for the main rocket went smooth for the most part. When we launched our rocket, the first time it it didn't work, similarly to many other groups. However, after a second attempt, our rocket successfully launched and went in a nearly vertical path. This was our goal, as we didn't want the rocket to fire into the crowd of people watching.

Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Industrial Engineering:

Aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and industrial engineering are all crucial fields in the world of engineering. Aerospace engineers design and build aircraft, missiles, defense systems, and spacecrafts. They work in placing that engage in manufacturing, design, analysis, research and development. Mechanical engineers design machines that help humans to improve quality of life, like generators and refrigerators. Chemical engineers use chemistry, biology, physics, and other forms of math to solve problems related to engineering. Finally, industrial engineers work more with production and the economy. They design methods of packing, handling, storing, and shipping of products.

More on Biomedical and electrical engineering from our research paper: Rocket Design, CO₂ Capturing, and Synthetic Hydrocarbon Fuels