Model Rocket Flight Simulation

The Challenge & Aerodynamic Concepts

Before committing to physical assembly and launches, I wanted to optimize the flight parameters of my model rockets. The core engineering challenge in rocketry is ensuring flight stability, which means carefully balancing the Center of Pressure (CP) against the Center of Gravity (CG).

Virtual Testing & Simulated Variables

Using the OpenRocket software suite, I designed multiple virtual rocket configurations to test aerodynamic theories safely and cheaply. I manipulated several key variables in the simulations:

• Motor Impulses: Comparing the thrust curves of different engines (e.g., Estes C6-5 vs. D12-5) to maximize apogee altitude safely.
• Fin Shapes: Testing trapezoidal versus elliptical fin profiles to observe their effect on the center of pressure.
• Nose Cone Profiles: Analyzing different nose cone shapes to minimize drag coefficients.

By running these simulations, I was able to mathematically verify the flight stability of my designs and confidently predict their maximum expected altitudes before a single physical part was ever cut.

Skills Demonstrated

Gallery

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