Overview1. The Project Summary2. The Launch Vehicle3. The Scientific Payload4. Safety and Testing5. Rocksim Simulations6. Budget7. Outreach
Project Summary• We plan to design, fabricate and launch a reusable
rocket with scientific payloads.
• The scientific payload will measure the affect of altitude on the frequency response of a driver.
• The rocket should have a safe return with the help of the Dual Deployment Parachute system.
• The scientific payload should withstand the impact of landing and the data should be recoverable.
Launch Vehicle Summary
Size: Length = 7.5 ft, Diameter = 6 in
Motor: Aerotech 75 mm L-850W Solid Motor
Flight: The rocket should attain an altitude of 5280 ft ± 400 ft.
Recovery: Dual Deployment System
Changes Made Since PDR
• The material that is used on the launch vehicle is Magna Frame.
• The main parachute is a TAC-9A at 96”.
Launch Vehicle• The launch vehicle is constructed of Magna Frame tubing, which
has been selected over the traditional phenolic tubing due to more strength and lighter weight.
• A four fin design was used to decrease the amount of wind-induced spin, and to move the center of pressure toward the air frame.
• The launch vehicle is composed of the following five subsystems:1. Nose-cone & Payload2. Main Parachute Compartment3. Recovery Bay 4. Drogue Parachute Compartment5. Booster Section.
Dual Deployment Avionics Test
• With the altimeter armed, pull and release the balloon for barometric pressure.
• The LEDs lights should activate which signals from altimeter indicating no barometric pressure.
• Consists of balloon, cup, altimeter,
• LED lights, and 9V battery.
Spectrum Parachute Sizes
• We are estimating that the weight of the rocket will be between 20-25lbs.
• The size of the parachute will be based on the weight and a desired descent speed 17-22ft/s.
• The main parachute is a GLR Tac 9A parachute. The website info central has a descent rate calculator for determining the needed size.
• We can also change the chute sizes in Rocksim and verify the descent rate.
• The main parachute compartment will contain a parachute in the range of 24 to 30 inches.
• The drogue parachute compartment contains a 24 inch Tac 9 parachute.
Ejection Charge CalculationsAn ejection force of 10 psi. has been selected for ground testing. The Ideal Gas Law: PV = nRT
The Ejection Force (lb) : F= P*πr2
Where, P is the chamber pressure, psi, and r is the radius, in.
Black Powder (BP) CalculationsC * D2 * L = grams of BP
Where: C is a constant that is determined based on the pressure D is the airframe diameter L is the length of the body tube to be pressurized3.5 grams of black powder will be needed for Main and about 2 grams for
the drogue compartment. The back-up charges are increased by one gram for flight
Payload Summary• Measures frequency response
vs. altitude
• Portable Mp3 Player
• Powerful 15w amplifier
• Full range driver
• Omnidirectional Measurement Microphone
• PreAmp with Phantom Power
• Custom battery pack
• Rocket Data-Acquisition System (R-DAS)
• Insulated ABS Container
Payload Operation
• Pink noise used as reference signal
• Amplifier provides power to driver
• Microphone records driver response
• R-DAS stored microphone data digitally
• Driver response will be affected by air load on cone.
Payload Electronics• Battery Pack
• 12 1.2v 3600mAh batteries wired in series• Driver
• Peerless 3” Full range driver• Microphone
• Dayton EMM-6 Omnidirectional Measurement Microphone• Pre Amplifier
• MXL MicMate• Signal Source
• SanDisk Sansa Clip 1GB• Amplification
• Sure TA2024 Class D Amplifier• Transformer
• Automotive USB charger, adapted for payload usage• Data Storage
• Rocket Data Acquisition System (R-DAS)
Payload Safety & Verification
Preliminary analysis of Failure Modes
Function Potential Failure Mode Potential Effects of Failure Failure Prevention
1 Battery Pack Malfunction Devices will not be powered.
A short may cause fire or explosion
Positive wire will be fused. Devices will be checked for
power.
2 Driver, amplifier, signal source, microphone, preamp malfunction
No or incorrect data will be obtain
Insure Proper Setup and operation, Check power
supply
3 R-DASMalfunction
Will not record data Check power and settings.
BudgetingComponents Cost Distributor
Structures & Launch System $ 2,400 Giant Leap
Aerotech
Tools $ 350 Home Depot, Lowes
Travel $ 500
Electronics $500 Madisound, Amazon, parts-express
Activities/Outreach $ 200
Paint & Body $ 150
Total $ 4,100
Outreach Summary
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Madison County
• School of Engineering and Technology Awareness Day
• Alabama A&M University - Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Day
• Alabama A&M University NASA High School Senior Day: