Rocket competition
From SEDSWiki
Current entrants:
- Iowa State Space Society
- University of Missouri Rolla Advanced Aero Vehicle Group
All SEDS chapters are welcome to enter as well. Barriers to entry:
- Cost: the engine reload will be around $600. We can share engine casing and flight computers.
- Short time frame: Launch is in less than two months, as of writing (September 5)
Contents |
Basic outline
Design a rocket in a boosted dart configuration to obtain a max altitude of 23,000 feet AGL. Rockets will be powered by a common motor consisting of a M1939. Teams will fly their rockets at the Tripoli Rocketry Association certified launch Midwest Power 4, on October 27-29 in Princeton, IL. A point system will be used to determine the winner and is detailed later.
The Dart
The dart diameter is 38mm. The minimum payload for the dart will be a radio tracking beacon and an accelerometer-based flight computer for which the flight data can be downloaded to a computer at the launch. The accelerometer should be the same model for all entrants and calibrated the same for the best results. Another possibility for the payload would be a video camera. The dart should use two stage deployment for recovery actuated by the accelerometer. Other design specifications are left to the individual team.
The Booster
Recovery can be single or dual deployment. The booster stage must have some form of positive motor retention. Friction fitting the motor is not allowed! Other design specifications are left to the individual team.
Launcher
Rails will be provided at the launch.
- No steel rods.
- No enclosed tubes that use built up pressure to accelerate the vehicle.
Towers are fine.
Follow Tripoli safety codes since it’s a Tripoli launch. Try to keep the amount of metal used to a minimum. These are going to be high end rockets and metals may be needed. Use your best judgment.
Conduct
Remember that we will be representing our schools. Also this is meant to be fun experience for all… let’s make it that way.
Scoring
Scoring will be done on a weighted point system. The three major categories will include a technical report, flight results, and how the flight results match predictions.
Technical report
10pts of the total score. This will be the basic design report about your rocket. The report should include the specifications of the design, drawings, and flight predictions at a minimum. The flight predictions need to include Max velocity, altitude, and acceleration. These predictions will be used to compare the flight results to.
Flight Results
- 40pts of the total score
- 10pts for the rocket flying as planned. (i.e. the dual deployment works as planned)
- 15pts for the fasted rocket
- 15pts for the highest flight.
- 10 Bonus points for the best crash :-)
Predictions
- 50pts of the total score
- Compare Altitude, velocity, and acceleration to predictions. Teams are allowed to use whatever design programs they need to in order to design a safe vehicle and make predictions.
