Solid Rocket Experiment

1. Solid Rocket Experiment ARO 102L Introduction of Astronautics Try Lam try.lam@jpl.nasa.gov

2. Mission Profile Coast Descent Burn

3. Solid-Fueled Rocket Performance Project • Objective: This project is intended to provide a basic introduction to the mechanics of rocket flight theory and experimentation with solid-fuel model rocket. • Three Phases • Static ground test • Assemble the rocket in class • Flying and flight measurement • Groups: • You will split into groups of 5 to 6. Each group will analytically predict the time it takes for each of the group’s rockets (5 or 6 rockets) to ascent, deploy their parachutes, and return to the ground. • Equipment: • NANO or Nimbs model rocket kit • Estes A8-3 solid-propellant model rocket engine • Assembly tools • Measuring tools • Stopwatch • Launch pad

4. Solid-Fueled Rocket Performance Project Procedures

5. Solid-Fueled Rocket Performance Project Procedures • Rocket Assembly • Carefully read and follow the instructions in the rocket kit!

6. Solid-Fueled Rocket Performance Project Procedures • Measurements • Measure the body tube diameter for drag estimation. • Record the nose code shape for CD value. • With the unburned rocket engine temporarily installed in your rocket, measure the • Rocket mass • Center of gravity location (form nose tip) • Calculate the parachute’s drag coefficient by dropping the rocket with the parachute open • Find a two story building and drop your rocket off with the parachute deployed. • Measure the height dropped and the time it takes to fall. • Measure the effective diameter of the parachute • Compute the CD_para (below) where

7. Solid-Fueled Rocket Performance Project Procedures • Pre-Flight Operational Checks • Make sure that the nose cone can easily slip out of the body tube • Make sure the parachute is not tangles up (might want to add some baby powder to the parachute to ensure it doesn't stick or tangle). • Team Assignments • Rocket launcher = the owner of the rocket • Record the mass before and after launch • Place rocket on launch pad (note which channel it is on) • Go to the launch table • Arm the launch system • Loudly count down “3-2-1-fire” • Push the igniter button • Timers (x2) • Stand at sides of the launch area • Start timing when they here “fire” command • Record the time at maximum altitude and time to ground

8. Solid-Fueled Rocket Performance Project Procedures • Team Assignments (continues) • Inclinometer (x2) • Practice this before actual flight • Stand 50 yards away form the launch stand • Point the inclinometer at the rocket on the stand and pull the trigger to unlock the pendulum pointer. • Follow the rocket’s flight path pointing the inclinometer like a gun sight • When the rocket reaches maximum altitude, the trigger will be released, locking the inclinometer pointer at max inclination angle. • Record the angle

9. Solid-Fueled Rocket Performance Project Inclinometer & Altitude Calculation

10. Solid-Fueled Rocket Performance Project Procedures • Pre-Flight Operational Checks • Make sure that the nose cone can easily slip out of the body tube • Make sure the parachute is not tangles up (might want to add some baby powder to the parachute to ensure it doesn't stick or tangle). • Launch Operations • See “Team Assignments” • Record the time to max altitude • Record the total time (launch to ground) • Record data from the inclinometer (max inclination)

11. Solid-Fueled Rocket Performance Project Post Launch Calculations • Engineering Calculations • Calculate how high (in meters) the rocket is expected to fly based on your measured mass and the published or measured characteristics of the A8-3 engine being used, and how long it will take to get to the max altitude. • You will have to estimate the drag coefficient of your rocket. Use the experimental drag coefficient graph, consider your rocket’s shape, have the fins been streamlined, shape of the nose cone, launch lug drag, etc. • From the Estes A8-3 model rocket engine specs, the rocket has a burn time of tB = 0.73 sec, average T = 3.18 N, and a burnout mass of 10.2 g, total impulse = 2.5 Ns. Write down yours

12. Graph from “Model Rocket Altitude Performance”, Centuri Engineering Technical Information Report TIR-100, 1968

13. Solid-Fueled Rocket Performance Project Post Launch Calculations • Engineering Calculations • Compute the total altitude (see “Useful Equations” slide) • Compute the total descent time (see “Useful Equations” slide) • Compute the total flight time (see “Useful Equations” slide) • Compare calculated results to recorded results

14. Solid-Fueled Rocket Performance Project Report • General • Each is group is to turn in a TYPED report with everyone’s data • Cover Page • Include course name, section number, experiment name, quarter, date • Include group number and names of the group members • Summary Page • Include objective • Include key objective • Include a brief conclusion • Include something like the table below

15. Solid-Fueled Rocket Performance Project Report • Rocket Description Page(s) • Include description of rocket, manufacturers, model, and engine type • Include pictures, photos, diagrams, and describe the assembly process. • Launch System Description Page(s) • Include description of launch system, platform, guide rods, and launch equipment • Include pictures, photos, diagram • Include a description of the launch process • Described the launch mission profile • Include details of what you recorded • Parachute Pre-Launch Test Description Page(s) • Include description of parachute pre-launch test and the purpose of this test • Include pictures, photos, or diagram of what you did • Include equations and results form all member’s rockets (their Cd_para value, etc.)

16. Solid-Fueled Rocket Performance Project Report • Static Engine Ground Pre-Launch Test Description Page(s) • Include description of static engine ground test and the purpose of this test • Include pictures, photos, or diagram of what you did • Include equations and results form the ground test (e.g., the Isp values, thrust vs. time plots) • Maximum Altitude Measurement Page(s) • Include description of the inclinometer device and the measurement technique • Include table and equations describing the conversion form recorded angle to altitude • Include photos, diagram, or pictures if you want • Discuss if wind conditions affected your measurements • Other Measurement Page(s) • Include description and discussion of any other measurements (if any)

17. Solid-Fueled Rocket Performance Project Report • Calculation Page(s) • Include equations, discussions, and results • Include table of measurements, calculations, and errors • Discuss anything that might be an error source or what might affect your results • Conclusion Page(s) • Summarize the experiment, what you can do better, lessons learned, etc. • References • Appendix • Any raw data, tables, notes, equations you want to include

18. Useful Equations Thrusting (Burnout) Equations General Equations

19. Useful Equations Coasting Equations Descent Equations Coast + Thrust Altitude Equation

20. Table of Results

21. Table of Results

22. Table of Results

23. AppendixModel Rocket Assembly Instructions

24. Model Rocket Engine

25. Model Rocket

26. Model Rocket

27. Model Rocket

28. Model Rocket