UCI Rocket Project Fin Design and Integration
Background
Though the invention of a true rocket device dates back to the early 1200s when the Chinese and Mongolians were at war, fins did not appear on the standard rocket until 750 years later. In the 1950s, the Soviet Union advanced their Space Race with satellites breaking through the Earth’s atmosphere. Rockets with grid fins were used to launch these Earth-orbiting artificial satellites. Grids fins provided control for the pilot once the rocket was launched.
As space exploration became popularized by governments and private industries, the technology in designing and manufacturing rockets progressed. Fins work to ensure that the rocket achieve positive stability, where the center of pressure is aft of the rocket's center of gravity. Since they are lightweight, low in drag, and generally simple to manufacture, it is ideal for engineers to design a rocket with fin attachments to assist in the stability of the rockets.
Goals and Objectives
The UCI Rocket Project will require the fins component, designed by the UCI Rocket Project (RP) Fin Design and Integration, on Preliminary Test Rocket in order to achieve a successful launch in spring of 2021. Fins are needed to ensure stability and directional control of the rocket, thus the attachment of the rocket’s fins to the structure must be thoroughly secured. The actual fins must be structurally sound enough to experience minimal to no movement (bending of the fins themselves) during flight to ensure that they are not producing unnecessary moments that might take the rocket off-course. Lastly, the fins should be light enough to not hinder the mission objective of the rocket.
Timeline for the Quarter
Week 1, 2, & 3 - Begin research on different mounting methods and fin design as well as gaining a better understanding of the overall Rocket Project team goals.
Week 4 - Further analyze mounting methods that were researched in Week 3. Finalize design of fin (airfoil vs. double diamond). Look into materials to manufacture fins. Create sketches of the different mounting methods.
Week 5 - Determine pros/cons of each mounting method; make a decision matrix. Select a preliminary design for mounting method and structural support of fins. Prepare for Preliminary Design Review with co-leads of Launch Vehicle of Rocket Project.
Week 6 - Create trade study for materials of fin. Determine materials needed for mounting,
Week 7 - Create a CAD for design of fin and mounting method. Create trade study for moutning materials.
Week 8 - Conduct analysis on Solidworks or ANSYS on selected mounting methods. Determine factor of safety for different failures such as adhesive, thermal issues on leading edge, etc.
Week 9 - Determine risk assessment to analyze all possible failures for the selected design.
Week 10 - Finish all necessary documentations. Present Critical Design Review to Launch Vehicle co-leads.
Team Contact
Aakash Patel - aakasp1@uci.edu
Kenneth La - lakd@uci.edu
Nhan Doan - nhantd@uci.edu
Saingyou Eung - seung@uci.edu
Team Advisor
Professor Mark Walter - m.walter@uci.edu
Rocket Project Website: https://rocket.eng.uci.edu/
