University of Evansville Student Launch Enclosed: Proposal Submitted by: 2016 – 2017 Rocket Team Project Lead: David Eilken Submission Date: September 30, 2016 Payload: Fragile Material Protection Submitted to: NASA Student Launch Initiative Program Officials Faculty of the UE Mechanical Engineering Program University of Evansville College of Engineering and Computer Science 1800 Lincoln Avenue; Evansville, Indiana 47722 i | P a g e Abstract The following proposal is for the NASA University Student Launch Initiative (USLI). This project is a research based competition that promotes teamwork, academic development, and community outreach [1]. Throughout this project the University of Evansville Student Launch team, Project ACE, will design, develop, and launch a reusable rocket. Project ACE’s rocket is split into 4 subsections: airframe, propulsion, recovery, and payload. The airframe will consist of two carbon fiber body tubes, a fiberglass nosecone, and 3 fiberglass fins. The total length of the rocket is projected to be 104”. Drag acting on the airframe will be calculated using OpenRocket and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and will be validated with wind tunnel testing. The rocket is expected to weigh approximately 25.3 pounds (without the motor) and will be propelled by an Aerotech L850W motor. Project ACE will use a dual-deployment recovery system with redundant electrical systems to ensure proper execution of the recovery process. Black powder charges will be used to separate the rocket first at apogee, then again at around 1000 feet to deploy the drogue and main parachute, respectively. The team has chosen to design a fragile materials protection system that will be housed in the bow section of the rocket. The payload is designed to have concentric cylinders attached with wire rope isolators and traditional springs in order to absorb and dampen the vibrations of the rocket’s flight. Major project deliverables and deadlines include the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) on October 31st, the Critical Design Review (CDR) on January 13th, and the Flight Readiness Review (FRR) on March 6th. Launch Day for the NASA Student Launch Initiative will be on April 8th. The anticipated budget for this project is $10,970.00. ii | P a g e Table of Contents Abstract ..................................................................................................................................... ii List of Figures ........................................................................................................................... v List of Tables ........................................................................................................................... vi Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1 Team Structure ...................................................................................................................... 1 Background ........................................................................................................................... 2 Project Objectives ................................................................................................................. 3 Facilities & Equipment ............................................................................................................. 4 Safety ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Safety Plan............................................................................................................................. 6 Procedures for NAR/TRA to Perform ................................................................................... 8 Pre-Launch Briefing .............................................................................................................. 9 Caution Statements ................................................................................................................ 9 Legal Compliance ............................................................................................................... 10 Purchase, Storage, Transport, and Use of Rocket Motors/Energetic Devices .................... 10 Statement of Understanding and Compliance with Safety Regulations ............................. 11 Technical Approach ................................................................................................................ 12 General Vehicle Specifications ........................................................................................... 12 Projected Altitude ................................................................................................................ 19 iii | P a g e Recovery.............................................................................................................................. 20 Propulsion............................................................................................................................ 22 Ignition System ................................................................................................................... 24 Electronic Payload............................................................................................................... 24 Main Payload....................................................................................................................... 25 Areas of Risk ....................................................................................................................... 27 Technical Requirements / Countermeasures ........................................................................... 29 Project Deliverables ................................................................................................................ 34 Project Schedule...................................................................................................................... 35 Project Budget ......................................................................................................................... 38 Funding Plan ....................................................................................................................... 39 Educational Engagement ........................................................................................................ 40 Sustainability........................................................................................................................... 42 Summary ................................................................................................................................. 42 References ............................................................................................................................... 43 Appendix A - High Powered Rocketry Safety Code ............................................................. 44 Appendix B – OpenRocket Inputs & Data ............................................................................. 46 Appendix C – Detailed Task Breakdown ............................................................................... 53 Appendix D – Detailed Parts List / Cost Tracking ................................................................ 58 iv | P a g e List of Figures Figure 1 - Team Structure ......................................................................................................... 2 Figure 2 - Rocket Isometric View ............................................................................................. 3 Figure 3 - Primary Workspace .................................................................................................. 4 Figure 4 - Wind Tunnel for testing ........................................................................................... 5 Figure 5- Annotated Overview of Rocket ............................................................................... 12 Figure 6 - Isometric View of 3D Model ................................................................................. 13 Figure 7 - Annotated Side View ............................................................................................. 14 Figure 8 - Fin Drawing ........................................................................................................... 15 Figure 9 - Mass Breakdown of Rocket ................................................................................... 16 Figure 10 - Full Body with Dimensions ................................................................................. 18 Figure 11 - Cross Section with Dimensions ........................................................................... 18 Figure 12 - Simulation Results of Altitude, Vertical Velocity, and Vertical Acceleration .... 19 Figure 13 - Projected dynamics during main parachute deployment ..................................... 21 Figure 14 - Propulsion Schematic ........................................................................................... 23 Figure 15 - Cylinder 1, Outer Cylinder ................................................................................... 26 Figure 16 - Cylinder 2, Inner Cylinder ................................................................................... 26 Figure 17 - Gantt Chart ........................................................................................................... 37 Figure 18 - Budget Breakdown ............................................................................................... 39 v | P a