Project 2.2.

5B Rocket Design and Build

Introduction
Rockets are designed for a variety of missions and performance requirements. The payload of a
rocket is that crucial component that often provides the constraints for the engine thrust and flight
control.

In this project you will design and build a rocket to perform a mission specified by your teacher.
The thrust available is limited to the engine you tested in the last activity.

Equipment
Engineering notebook
Pencil
PC with internet access or Open Rocket

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Procedure

1. Start OpenRocket from the PLTW AE folder, then open the file estes_alpha_iii.rkt from my
Rocket folder groupshare

2. Go to the Edit tab then preferences -> change to Default imperial then change Mass to
grams

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3. Record the weight for each component below.
Nose Cone: _7__________
Launch lug: _.748________
Outer body tube: ___7____
Inner motor tube: __1_____
Fins: ____________6_____
Rocket engine: ____15.3______
Parachute with shroud lines: _6___

4. Follow the steps below to add and simulate the rocket launch.
Add the A8-3 motor to the body tube

Select the body tube and add motor

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 2

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Edit the windspeed find the weather for Wednesday and add the wind
Start with a launch angle of 20 degrees

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Configure the simulation to the following and plot

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Edit the launch angle until the distance from the launch to the landing is about 100 feet

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5. Screen capture each screen of the Design, Fuel, Pad, and Launch results for your final
Weebly report.
6. Construct the rocket designed under the direction of the teacher. READ the instruction first
then view this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNXWxh5TTe8
Just noticed a slight glitch, the mylar ring goes against the 1" mark and not the 2" 1/4 mark.
7. Assemble the rocket as if it was to be launched.
8. Write a small reflection of the rocket design and predicted performance.

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Conclusion

1 Explain how the mission influenced the design process.

The mission made the design process simple because the stickers were limited.

2 Explain some of the design challenges you faced.

I faced no design challenges.

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