Solid Fuel Rockets

Being a member of the Solids Team at the UCI Rocket Project served as a "solid" entry into the world of solid-propellant rockets, as it allowed me to design, simulate, and build some of my own (and even fly one).

Featured: SolidWorks model of the multi-stage rocket rendered in PhotoView 360

MULTI-STAGE HIGH-POWERED ROCKET

Goal: Design a multi-stage rocket that could reach an altitude of 50,000 ft (15,240 m)

Method: 3-stage rocket design incorporating L and M motors

Result: Apogee requirement met and exceeded in OpenRocket simulations

3-Stage OpenRocket Design

OpenRocket simulation shows apogee of 15563 m at 60 s, ground hit velocity of 6.24 m/s, and total flight time of 1082 s

SolidWorks CAD of the Multi-Stage

Final Rocket Assembly

Section View

Exploded View

LEVEL 1 ROCKET

Goal: Design and build a high-power (Level 1) rocket that could reach the highest possible altitude and is fully recoverable

Method: Single-stage rocket built from COTS and laser cut parts

Result: Rocket flown and fully recovered, became 1 of 2 submissions by UCI team that qualified for Level 1 certification by the Tripoli Rocketry Association

Level 1 OpenRocket Design

OpenRocket simulation shows apogee of 935 m at 11.9 s, and ground hit velocity of 7.09 m/s

The challenge was adjusting the fuselage length, fin shape, and nose cone weight to achieve the best combination of stability (between 1-2 cal), speed (below Mach 1), and apogee (as high as possible)

Manufacturing the Level 1