AEROSPACE A4

Rocket Simulator and Launch Report

Spencer Miller and Brody Baggs
May 4, 2015
PLTW Project 2.2.5

AEROSPACE A4

THE ROCKET
Description

The project for the model rocket included an online simulator where we were able to create our
rocket and test its performance. We were then given model kits that we could construct and
modify. The final part of the project was a physical launch and evaluation of the real flight
performance. We applied our prior knowledge about rockets, engines, and physics to design
an interesting rocket. The project as a whole was supervised by Mrs. Moon and safety engineer
Spencer Miller.
Simulator Design

In the Glenn Research Center simulator

we designed a pretty standard rocket.
Our inputs matched the real values we
had, such as engine type, launch angle,
and rocket size. The simulator was
unable to receive the proper inputs for
the fin design we created so our
simulated flight had some variation from
our physical model. The simulator is an
interesting tool that allows you to modify
the launch pad, body, nose, engines,
and fins. The setup for our engine is
shown below.

AEROSPACE A4

Model Construction

As we began constructing our physical rocket we were able to apply

the fin design we actually wanted. We decided to angle our fins to
create a spiral motion during flight but we feared this may create a
harsh flight angle. To counter this we added forward fins, like a cruise
missile, to help keep the leading edge directed upward. Construction
went well and we had a quality rocket with a simply aesthetic design.
Pictures of our rocket and the initial data measurements are shown.

Adapter Ring- 3.49g (3.03g/inch)

Body- 5.19g - 7.75x1

Engine Mount Tube- 1.149g

Nose- 6.62g

Fin Plate-10.84g (24in^2)

Launch Lug- .1g

Shock Chord- 1.19g

Engine Hook- 1.42g

Parachute- 2.43g

Engine- 17.82g

Launch Evaluation

Our launch went extremely well. We followed the protocols for a

safe and uneventful launch. The flight was very visible but sadly it
landed out of our retrievable area due to the continued wind at
higher altitudes. The overall rocket launch was very satisfying and
can be viewed at this private link,(https://youtu.be/YjICDc6hhNg),
or by scanning the included QR Code.

Launch Calculation:
150 ft X tan45 =242.96 feet high

Project Reflection

This project as a whole was a very useful and fun learning experience. We enjoyed the ability to
enhance our knowledge of rockets while applying our previous knowledge of physics and math.
Being able to launch our rocket in a safe environment and have tested our own design was a
quality experience for us as aspiring engineers. We really valued the opportunity afforded to us
by PLTW and our fabulous teacher, Mrs. Moon. It was a fantastic chance to learn and apply our
knowledge in a safe, well monitored environment.