rocket competition manual 2013-spot landing€¦ · preparing this document. ... for his support,...

Department of Aerospace Engineering

ROCKET COMPETITION SPOT LANDING

2014 Competition Manual

Last Updated: April 26, 2014 2

Acknowledgements

The Department of Aerospace Engineering would like to thank Dr. David Greatrix and

Mr. Jerry Karpynczyk for designing and writing the terms of reference for this competition and preparing this document. Further, we would like to thank Dr. Paul Walsh, Department Chairman for his support, leadership and involvement in the Rocket Competition administration operations.

We would also like to extend our thanks to President Sheldon Levy for his continuous support in the Department of Aerospace Engineering Activities.



Table of Contents Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................................... 2 1. ABOUT THE RYERSON ROCKETRY COMPETITION ............................................................... 5

1.1 Purpose:....................................................................................................................................... 5

2. GENERAL ........................................................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Scope ........................................................................................................................................... 5 2.2 Safety Requirements ................................................................................................................. 5 2.3 Scheduled Events ...................................................................................................................... 5

3. SPOT LANDING MODEL ROCKET SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................. 6

3.1 Compliance ................................................................................................................................. 6 3.2 Gross Launch Mass ................................................................................................................... 6 3.3 Propellant..................................................................................................................................... 6 3.4 Reusability ................................................................................................................................... 6 3.5 Materials ...................................................................................................................................... 6 3.6 Stability......................................................................................................................................... 6

4. SPOT LANDING MODEL ROCKET MOTOR STANDARDS ...................................................... 7

4.1 Definition ...................................................................................................................................... 7 4.2 Certification ................................................................................................................................. 7 4.3 Alterations .................................................................................................................................... 7 4.4 Classification ............................................................................................................................... 7 4.5 Published Values ........................................................................................................................ 7 4.6 Contest Approval ........................................................................................................................ 8

5. ROCKET DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................... 8 6. SPOT LANDING LAUNCHING REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................... 8

6.1. Flying Field .................................................................................................................................. 8 6.2. Safety Check ............................................................................................................................... 8 6.3. Launching Device ....................................................................................................................... 9

7. CONTESTANTS ................................................................................................................................. 9 8. SPOT LANDING COMPETITION .................................................................................................. 10

8.1 Scope ......................................................................................................................................... 10 8.2 Control ........................................................................................................................................ 10 8.3 Separation ................................................................................................................................. 10 8.4 Number of Flights ..................................................................................................................... 10 8.5 Scoring ....................................................................................................................................... 10

Appendix A - MODEL AERONAUTICS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA SAFETY CODE—SPACE MODELING ............................................................................................................................................... 11 Appendix C - Tri-F-O General Arrangement Drawing ........................................................................ 14 Appendix D - Resources .......................................................................................................................... 15



Figure 1: Tri-F-O Detail Drawing ............................................................................................................ 13 Figure 2: Tri-F-O General Arrangement Drawing ................................................................................ 14 Table 1: Launch Site Dimensions .......................................................................................................... 12



1. ABOUT THE RYERSON ROCKETRY COMPETITION The Department of Aerospace Engineering has selected model rocketry as one of a number of multi-disciplinary areas in which to promote the broad spectrum of Aerospace-orientated activities that emphasizes education, mathematics, design, safety and a hands-on approach in Aerospace Engineering. This activity will provide students from High Schools an opportunity to develop applied engineering skills to an assigned problem with respect to design constraints, fabrication, techniques & requirements, project planning, and team work, while encouraging creativity and innovation. Ryerson University’s Department of Aerospace Engineering is leading a programme to encourage students to participate in engineering problem solving, and promote student involvement in Aerospace initiatives.

1.1 Purpose:

The purpose of this event is to foster a general understanding of the fundamentals of model rocketry, and demonstrate aspects of one of a number of disciplines in the field of Aerospace Engineering.

2. GENERAL

2.1 Scope

The Model Aeronautics Association of Canada Safety Code (MAAC) shall govern the design, construction, and operation of all model rockets and model rocket motors used in conjunction with the sanctioned Ryerson University, Department of Aerospace Engineering competition.

2.2 Safety Requirements All safety requirements, be it launching field setup, Tri-F-O rocket model laboratory testing

and flight launching equipment, will be supplied and maintained by the Department of Aerospace Engineering. This is an important safety requirement for this competition which is sanctioned by Ryerson University, Department of Aerospace Engineering.

2.3 Scheduled Events

The competition will be held on May 9th, 2014 at Ryerson University. The location will be in the Kerr Hall Building’s main outdoor Quad area between 10:00 am – 2:30 pm. The address is 40/50 Gould St or 60 Gould St campus entrances.



3. SPOT LANDING MODEL ROCKET SPECIFICATIONS

3.1 Compliance

The model rocket must comply with all specifications in this section and the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada Safety Code before, during, and after each flight. The type specific rocket at this competition will be the Tri-F-O scratch build rocket model.

3.2 Gross Launch Mass The gross launching mass of a Tri-F-O model rocket, including the solid rocket motor,

shall in no event exceed the maximum over vehicle gross weight of 100 grams as per specified by the Ryerson Aerospace Engineering Contest Board (RAECB).

3.3 Propellant

No more than a total of 12.5 grams of solid propellant material shall be contained in this type specific rocket model at the moment of launch. The maximum solid rocket motor which can be used in this competition will therefore be a C Type engine. Type B engines will also be provided as each team will have to select the engine type to be used for the field conditions of the day.

3.4 Reusability

The Tri-F-O model rocket shall be so constructed as to be capable of more than a single flight.

3.5 Materials The Tri-F-O model rocket will use only lightweight materials such as paper, wood, plastics, balsa wood, without any metal airframe components. The type specific rocket can use a solid rocket motor metal retainer if so required to hold the solid rocket motor in place.

3.6 Stability

Due to the selected design of the type specific rocket when fabricated, the rocket model will have an inherent built-in stability and restoring force necessary to maintain a substantially true and predictable flight path. If required by the safety officers or judges, the builder of the model must present data demonstrating that their model meets this requirement. This can be determined in the inspection lab process during the competition, Cp, Cg locations.



4. SPOT LANDING MODEL ROCKET MOTOR STANDARDS

4.1 Definition Model rocket motors shall meet the requirements of the Explosives Regulatory Division Natural Resources Canada for model rocketry. Limits

A single solid propellant model rocket motor shall contain no more than 12.5 grams of propellant, and shall produce no more than 10.0 Newton-seconds of total impulse. Rocket motors will be made available from an approved supplier during the sanctioned Ryerson University, Department of Aerospace Engineering competition.

4.2 Certification

All motors used in a model rocket in the sanctioned Ryerson University competition must be motors approved by Explosives Regulatory Division Natural Resources Canada for model rocketry.

4.3 Alterations

The Tri-F-O model rocket motor engine mount tube shall not be altered in any manner that changes its dimensions and/or its performance characteristics. No materials shall be affixed to the motor in a permanent fashion (e.g., via glues or epoxies).

4.4 Classification

The Explosives Regulatory Division Natural Resources Canada for model rocketry type motor classification are based on its mean sea level total impulse at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius as determined in static tests conducted by the Standards and Testing Committee. Certified model rocket motor classifications are as follows:

Motor Class Total Impulse (N-sec) B 2.51 – 5.00 C 5.01 – 10.00

Note: All motor classes listed above continue to be recognized for certification purposes independent of current commercial availability considerations.

4.5 Published Values The total impulse values measured and published by the Explosives Regulatory Division Natural Resources Canada for model rocketry Standards and Testing Committee shall be the values used.



4.6 Contest Approval Ryerson Contest Officials will supply all rocket motors approved by Explosives Regulatory Division Natural Resources Canada for all of the model rockets at the competition. These rocket motors are currently and readily available commercially, and meet all safety requirements. The teams can select the type of rocket engine to meet the competition requirements by advance planning, simulations, and flight performance of their Tri-F-O rocket model during the competition. Only approved rocket motors shall be issued under the direct/control and supervision of the RAECB in this sanctioned competition, for which the total impulse of the motor has been selected for this event and in is compliance with local laws.

5. ROCKET DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

The design specifications for the type specific rocket, dimensions, suggested materials and details are given on the supplied drawings in Appendix A and Appendix C.

6. SPOT LANDING LAUNCHING REQUIREMENTS

6.1. Flying Field The flying field shall have a ground area whose shortest dimension is no less than one-fourth (1/4) the anticipated maximum altitude of the rockets to be flown. The flying field should not contain or be adjacent to high voltage lines, major highways, or other obstacles. The launching location shall be no closer than 10 meters to the boundaries of the flying field. The flying field location will be located in the Quad of the Kerr Hall Building where a supervised rocket launch will be conducted.

6.2. Safety Check All flight model rockets presented at this competition will be inspected for their construction integrity, details, and a general safety inspection prior to its first flight operation. The flying field shall be inspected for full up safety operations by the Range Safety Officer or their duly authorized deputy on the basis of his/her considered judgment with respect to safety.



6.3. Launching Device A launching device or mechanism must be used that shall restrict the horizontal motion of the model until sufficient flight velocity is attained for reasonably safe, predictable flight. A launch rod composed of approximately one meter of 1/8" diameter rod will be used for Tri-F-O scratch built rocket model. A variable launching rod angle of 0 to 30 degrees can be used to target the Tri-F-O to the fixed located target. However, not more than thirty degrees from the vertical can be used. Ryerson University, Department of Aerospace Engineering will provide all launching equipment and electrical systems during the competition.

7. CONTESTANTS

7.1. Entering Competition Contestants entering the Tri-F-O model rockets and competing in the Ryerson University, Department of Aerospace Engineering sanctioned competition are required to register On Line via the Web: www.ryerson.ca/aerospace/rocketcompetition the official Ryerson Rocket Team Registration Form. 7.2. Teams One, but no more than four teams are permitted from each school for each event. Student teams must be registered with the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Ryerson University each year to compete. Team members of a registered team cannot be changed during the contest year. Such a change must be registered as a different team and therefore must reapply. This is required as all certificates, badges, printed materials, etc are printed with the current registered team information. 7.3. Ryerson Contest Number

a. Each student rocket team entry shall label its Flight Team Numbers on one side of each rocket vehicle (3/4 inch letter size) legibly displayed upon its exterior surface of the rocket model, as well as the school’s name.

http://www.ryerson.ca/aerospace/rocketcompetition



8. SPOT LANDING COMPETITION

8.1 Scope The Spot Landing Competition is open to the type specific rocket vehicle selected which is the Tri-F-O. This rocket is considered to be scratch build model configuration and only single staged engines will be used. The purpose of this competition is to land the entry so that the vehicle is closest to a predetermined target spot on the ground.

8.2 Control The entry may not be remotely controlled or remotely guided.

8.3 Separation An entry must not separate into two or more unattached pieces and the rocket motor engine must remain in the rocket.

8.4 Number of Flights

Each entry shall be allowed Four Official Flights during the event. All student team contestants can select which launch pad the team wishes to use for each official flight.

8.5 Scoring Spot Landing Competition shall be scored as follows: the distance from the center of the engine mount tube of the Tri-F-O model to the target spot shall be measured by the officials. If the Tri-F-O rocket model lands more than 40 meters from the target spot, the Tri-F-O rocket model shall not place and no measurement will be taken or recorded. But the flight will be counted as an official flight at this event. The contestant achieving the smallest separation distance from the target spot shall be the winner.



Appendix A - MODEL AERONAUTICS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA SAFETY CODE—SPACE MODELING

Pertinent to the Ryerson event, the following information comes directly from the MAAC model safety code

A.1 CONSTRUCTION: I will always build my model rocket using only lightweight

materials such as paper, wood, plastics or rubber without any metal airframe components. My model will include aerodynamic surfaces or a mechanism to assure a safe, stable flight.

A.2 MOTORS: I will use only commercially available model rocket motors approved by Explosives Regulatory Division Natural Resources Canada for model rocketry. I will never subject these engines to excessive shock, extremes of temperature, nor will I ever attempt their refilling or alteration. I shall always employ recommended manufacturer handling and ignition procedures.

A.3 IGNITION: I will only install igniters at the launch site immediately prior to launching my model rocket. If using an onboard electrical system to ignite additional motors in a staged and or clustered model rocket, I will provide a safety system consisting of a removable pin or key that disengages the onboard electrical system of the model until such time as the key or pin is removed. I will remove this pin only after the model has been properly placed on the launch system. Upon recovery, or after an aborted launch, I will reinsert the pin or safety key until such time as any remaining motors are removed from the model and the firing systems is discharged. I will affix to the safety pin or key a length of streamer with the words "REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT" printed legibly on the streamer.

A.4 RECOVERY: My model rocket will always use a recovery system to return it safely to the ground so that my model rocket may be re-flown. I shall prepare the recovery system with due care to assure that it will properly deploy.

A.5 WEIGHT & IMPULSE LIMITS: My model rocket will not weight more than 1500 grams at lift-off, and the model rocket engine(s) will contain no more than 125 grams of propellant and produce no more than 160 N-s combined total-impulse.

A.6 FIRING SYSTEM: I will always use a remote electrical system to ignite the model rocket engine(s). My firing system will include an ignition switch that returns to "off" when released and a safety interlock to prevent accidental ignition. I will never leave the safety interlock key in my firing system between launches.

A.7 LAUNCH SYSTEM: My model rocket will always be launched from a stable platform having a device to initially guide its motion. My launcher will have a jet deflector to prevent motor exhaust from directly contacting the ground. To protect others and myself from eye injury, I will position the launch rod or rail so that the upper end is above eye level, or else I will place a large guard on the upper end between launches.

A.8 LAUNCH SITE: I will never launch my model rockets near buildings, powers lines or near air traffic. Whenever possible, I will launch from locations 9 km or more from any airport. The minimum distance across the launch field in any direction shall be a minimum of ¼ of the highest altitude to be flown. A minimum distance of 1/3 is recommended. The area immediately around the launch system will be cleared of



any flammable materials. I will always obtain the permission of the launch site owner prior to using the launch site for my model rocket activities.

A.9 LAUNCH CONDITIONS: I will never launch model rockets in winds greater than 35 km/h. I will never launch my rockets in conditions of low visibility or clouds, which may impair the observation of the entire flight of my model rocket. I will never launch my model rockets in a direction below 30 degrees from the vertical.

A.10 LAUNCH SAFETY: I will remain at least 5 meters away from any model about to be launched. I will always announce to persons within the launch site that I am about to launch my model rocket and I shall give a loud countdown for at least 5 seconds duration. I will never launch a model rocket while any low flying aircraft are visibly approaching my launch location. I shall immediately remove the safety interlock key from my firing system after the launch of my model rocket.

A.11 MISFIRES: In the event of an ignition misfire, I shall not immediately approach my model rocket, but remove the safety interlock key and remain back for a safe period until assured that no ignition will occur.

A.12 ANIMAL PAYLOADS: I will never endanger live animals by launching them in my model rocket.

A.13 TARGETS: I will never launch my rocket so that it will fall on, or strike, ground or air targets. Nor will I include any explosive or incendiary payload.

A.14 HAZARDOUS RECOVERY: I will never attempt to recover my model rocket from a power line, high place, a tree or other dangerous location.

A.15 PRE-FLIGHT TESTS: Whenever possible, I will always test the stability, operation and reliability of my model rocket designs prior to flight. I will launch unproven designs in complete isolation from other persons.

A.16 PERSONAL CONDUCT: I will always conduct myself in a responsible manner, conscious that the maintenance of safety for others and myself rests with my ability to design and construct sound working models and to enthusiastically abide by the MAAC Model Rocket Safety Code. I will abide by the decisions and follow any instructions of any designated Range Safety Officers (RSO) and any person designated by the RSO such as a Launch Control Officer (LCO) that may be supervising a launch.

LAUNCH SITE DIMENSIONS

Installed Total Impulse

(N-sec) Equivalent Motor Type Minimum Site Dimensions

(m) 0.00 – 1.25 1/4A, 1/2A 15 1.25 – 2.50 A 30 2.51 – 5.00 B 60 5.01 – 10.00 C 120

10.01 – 20.00 D 150 Table 1: Launch Site Dimensions



Appendix B - Tri-F-O Detail Drawing

Figure 1: Tri-F-O Detail Drawing



Appendix C - Tri-F-O General Arrangement Drawing

Figure 2: Tri-F-O General Arrangement Drawing



Appendix D - Resources Ryerson University Department of Aerospace Engineering Rocket Competition Resources Web: www.ryerson.ca/aerospace/rocketcompetition E-mail:[email protected] Rocket Materials and Supplies Sunward Hobbies 2700 Dufferin Street, Unit 52 Toronto, ON, Canada M6B 4J3 Phone: (416) 241-4500 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.sunwardhobbies.ca Sigma Rockets and Aerospace Inc. P.O. Box 70041 10661 Chinguacousy RD. Brampton, ON, Canada L7A 0N6 Phone: (905) 501-1425 Fax: (416) 840-5859 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.sigmarockets.com

http://www.ryerson.ca/aerospace/rocketcompetition

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.sunwardhobbies.ca/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.sigmarockets.com/

rocket competition manual 2013-spot landing€¦ · preparing this document. ... for his support,...

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