Week 4
July 11, 2022 - July 15, 2022
Aeronautical, Chemical,
and Environmental Engineering
Rocket Simulation
RockSim was a virtual program that allowed us to build a prototype rocket and test it under real conditions. We were able to check if our rocket was stable and making the correct parabola arc shape as it was launched. The program displayed altitude values and the range of our rocket at specific flight times. This helped us predict what would happen in real life when we tested our final rocket. This program also taught us about weight distribution and how to balance the center of gravity and pressure of our rocket.
IQ Mol
IQ Mol was a program that allowed us to explore the fine details of molecular chemistry. Our group completed two lessons: task 1 and task 2. Task 1 prompted us to build different molecules solely based on their chemical equations. Then it prompted us to "optimize" that figure. To do this we clicked a button in the program and the bonds became the correct lengths and atoms went to their correct positions with the correct molecular angles. Task 2 took a different approach and asked us to form a few sentences about global warming and climate change based on what we had learned about the molecular geometry of molecules, specifically Carbon Dioxide (CO2). This helped us understand the purpose of our rocket and plane and how they could help reverse climate change in the real world.
Test Rocket
This is our test rocket built out of one piece of paper, tape, and an index card. Building this test rocket let us decide on a design for our final rocket. It helped us learn how different nose shapes and different numbers of fins affect flight. We tested with rocket by inserting a pvc pipe into the bottom of our rocket and then stomping on a water bottle attached to the opposite end of the pvc pipe.
Test Plane
This is the test plane we created to learn about how planes work and to test our ideas before we implemented them into the final plane. We learned about the importance of having a weight at the front of the plane (the screw in the model) and how it stabilizes the plane during flight.
Final Rocket with Carbon Dioxide Capturing Device
The design procedure for the final rocket was quite simple, however correctly incorporating the engine proved to be somewhat difficult, as well as how we should design the parachute and fit it into the small shaft of the rocket. Another source of conflict was someone throwing their plane and it crashing into our rocket, causing the wing to break off during the building process. In the end though, our rocket proved to be successful flying high into the air and arcing back down to the ground. Despite other groups facing wiring issues, our rocket launched on the first try and the engine ignited properly flying approximately 30 feet into the air. We also calculated the center of gravity for our rocket to ensure it would be stable in flight. In addition, we calculated the center of pressure for our rocket and marked both centers with pen on our rocket.
Final Plane
with Air Qaulity Sensor
This is our final plane we built with the attached motor and propeller. The goal of our plane was to fly for as long as possible catching lift in the air and staying afloat. The plane was also designed to have an air quality sensor to collect data that could be used to solve environmental issues. We were unable to attach the Arduino with the air quality sensor to the plane becuase the box that attached the board to the plane had not finished 3D printing. However our plane performed well, especially on the first few test throws. When we tested it all together on the field, our plane was one of the best performing and held a sready postion in flight. We faced some issues when the motor broke on Wednesday requiring us to take all the tape off and replace the broken motor with a new one.
Additional Research on CO2 Capturing Devices on Rockets
