TeamRocketLafayette

College

Critical Design Review

Flight AnalysisIntimidator 5: 5” diameter, 10’ length, 45

lbs Motor: Aerotech L1300R

• 4556 N-Sec of impulse Predicted altitude

• 5715- RockSim• 5660.34 - AeroDRAG

Altitude reached can be reduced by adding weight and deploying airbrakes.• With brakes deployed for entire flight ~ 3,300 ft

Flight Analysis Thrust to weight ratio= 6.5:1

• Well above the suggested 5:1 Launch Rail:

• 12 ft high• Exit velocity - 65 ft/s - RockSim

Flight Analysis Parachute sizes

• Drogue – 3 ft• Main – 12 ft

Parachute descent rates• Drogue: Must be between 50 and 100 ft/s

87-90 ft/s– RockSim 84.52 ft/s – Mathcad

• Main: Must be between 17 and 22 ft/s 21.1 ft/s– RockSim 21.132 ft/s– Mathcad

Rocket Flight Stability Static Stability Margin: 2.88

overstable

Test Plans and Procedures (Overview)

Vacuum chamber testing of the R-DAS system and recovery altimeter completed

Scale model launch completed Static testing of scale model motor

completed

Test Plans and Procedures Remaining tests:

• Verify all R-DAS components in rocket (January 30)• Bench Test UVA, relative humidity, and solar

irradiance sensors (January 26 – 31)• Verify airbrake deployment using vacuum

chamber (February 24 – March 3)• Vibration Test (February 28 – March 3)• Static tests:

Ejection charges (February 20) Thrust curve of Aerotech L1300R (February 20)

• Full scale launch (March 5, March 26)

Scale Model Flight Test Results

• Two altimeter readings: 2556 ft and ~2700 ft

• Predicted altitude from RockSim: 2717.15 ft

• Predicted altitude from AeroDRAG: 2697.8 ft

Predictions match results within reason

Successful launch, partially successful recovery system

Dual Deployment Avionics Test Vacuum chamber

used to verify deployment of drogue parachute at apogee and main parachute at predetermined height.• Drop in pressure causes

altimeter to detect a change in “altitude”

Static Test of Motor Aerotech K805 G S-load cell used Results matched closely to

expected values • Maximum thrusts of 190 lbs

(static test) vs 210 lbs (Aerotech) Further calibration necessary

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Ejection Charge Amount Test

Ejection charge amount determined from Modern High Power Rocketry 2 by Mark Canepa• Drogue amount – 2.5 grams (redundant charge will be

3.75 grams)• Main amount – 7.5 grams (redundant charge will be

11.25 grams) To verify that the charges will provide adequate

force, the rocket will be fully assembled with charges

Following similar procedures to vacuum testing, the charges will be ignited to verify performance

Payload Integration Feasibility Payload bay acts as coupler for attaching

body tubes• Dimensions sized with this in mind

Materials used will ensure integrity of bay Pressure seal will guarantee accuracy of

measurements

Educational Engagement 11 Local businesses were contacted

• One possible sponsor Local middle school students will build

and launch small rockets• A class motors will be used• Presentation on rocketry will be given

Lafayette hosts an afterschool program for underprivileged children• Water bottle rockets will be launched with

them