Design Process
Define the Problem: Our mission is to design, build and launch a three stage model rocket capable of launching a CO2 capture device.
Generate Alternative Solutions: Some alternative solutions we could have done was to increase the center of gravity to be a bit higher and to spread out the weight distribution of the rocket evenly. This would make the rocket better suited for flight.
Evaluate and Select a Solution: We selected this solution because we felt like this was the most aerodynamic rocket that was suited for flight. Based on our research as well as our intuition, we were able to design the respective fins and nose cone for the rocket.
Detail the Design:
These are our specific measurements and calculations of our design for the rocket:
As for the airplane, we added additional pieces in the bottom and added wood support to our main wings to make it more aerodynamic:
Defend the Design: Our rocketry and airplane designs are specifically designed for more lift rather than to look pleasing. Our rocket focused on maintaining stability which is why our fins were longer in length but shorter in width when compared to most groups. In addition, we utilized as many resources as we could in our airplane in order to give it enough lift for it to be able to glide rather than focus on its outward appearance to viewers.
Manufacture and Test the Design: Some processes we implemented for designing our airplane was testing it and reworking the plane slightly for it to improve overtime. While the motor kept crashing, we were able to record valuable information during our test flights. As a result, the plane was able to glide successfully after our 5th attempt in reworking it. As for the rocket, the main paper tube we used in order to make the rocket was very poor quality and we accidentally glued the nose cone on top of the rocket at first. However, we started all over from scratch on day 3(Wednesday) and perfected our rocket and designed it to be as optimal as possible.
Evaluate the Performance of the Design: The designs performed as planned, both our airplane and rocket flew exactly as we manufactured it. Although the airplane did not glide as much as we had hoped it was able to still float for a short amount of time in the air. Some things we would have changed to make our designs more efficient were to increase the height of the center of gravity in our rocket as well as apply less weight in our airplane.
Prepare the Final Design Report: As for the final performances, our rocket went perfectly straight and was able to go extremely high. In addition, the airplane was able to glide partially because even though we added lots of lift, the extra weight caused the plane to sink rapidly after gliding to its highest point.