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After learning more about how rockets worked and were manufactured, we created a stomp rocket out of paper that simulated what our main rocket would look like. As shown in Figure 2, we used four fins because of the success four fins had with our straw rockets. Additionally, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, we made the nose extremely pointy so it could be more aerodynamic. Additionally, after leaning about aerospace engineering in class, we learned that the center of pressure had to be below the center of gravity, meaning we needed to even out the mass of our rocket on the top and bottom to ensure this happened.
Fig. 1: The corner view of our stomp rocket.
Fig. 2: The side view of our stomp rocket. As you can see, the paper is rolled tightly and the fins are evenly spaced and cut for minimal room for error.
Fig. 3: The top view of our stomp rocket.
When we tested our stomp rocket, we had multiple successes and failures for each trial, as shown in videos 1 and 2. However, a universal success among all trials was how the rocket nose-dived when it started falling downwards. This was positive because it meant that our center of gravity and center of mass were calculated correctly for our rocket. After this practice run of building a rocket, we were condifent that we would be able to replicate this success with our main rocket. Using what we learned about how different types of fins affected rockets and how small details (such as the paper being wrapped too tight around the PVC) make big differences, we were able to plan out the best rocket possible.
stomp rocket 5.MOVVideo 1: One of our trials from the stomp rocket. As you can see, this trial had a high altitude but drifted to the right. This was because our launcher was slightly titled to the right, and one of our fins was bent and therefore altered the trajectory of our rocket.
stomp rocket 4.MOVVideo 2: Another one of our trials from the stomp rocket. As you can see, this trial had a lower altitude but went straight up. We determined that our paper body was fastened too tightly around the PVC pipe, making it more difficult for the rocket to reach a high altitude.
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