Rocketry - Camera Fairing Analysis

Attributes linked to this design project (CEAB's Graduate Attributes):

> Knowledge base for engineering

> Problem analysis

> Investigation

> Design

> Use of engineering tools

> Communication skills

> Professionalism

> Impact of engineering on society and the environment

> Life-long learning

INTRODUCTION

In our pursuit to document the Defiance[1] rocket's flight, we planned to mount a GoPro[2] camera through a 1.2 cm diameter hole in the Avionics Bay. To assess potential aerodynamic implications, simulations were conducted using Autodesk Fusion 360[3], Ansys[4], and SolidWorks[6]. This report presents findings on the effects of the camera hole, ensuring it didn't compromise rocket performance.

METHODOLOGY

SIMULATION AND MODELING

Models were created with Autodesk Fusion 360, Ansys software (SpaceClaim, Discovery, Workbench, Fluent), and SolidWorks. Three test scenarios were explored: the original rocket, the rocket with a 12 mm hole, and the rocket with a larger 200 mm hole. Assumptions included turbulence intensity (0.1), turbulent kinetic energy, and specific dissipation rate.

ANALYSIS AND RESULTS

AERODYNAMICS

MAXIMUM VELOCITY

The 12 mm hole resulted in a minor 1 m/s velocity reduction (0.165%). The 200 mm hole showed a 2 m/s decrease.

DRAG COEFFICIENT

The 12 mm hole caused a 0.0047 change (0.53%) in drag coefficient, while the 200 mm hole resulted in a 0.0032 change.

APOGEE

The 12 mm hole induced a 6 m decrease in apogee (0.06%), and the 200 mm hole further reduced it.

STABILITY

Analysis using wall Yplus showed negligible turbulence differences between the original and modified models.

DISCUSSION

INITIAL CONDITIONS

The controlled analysis using different hole sizes provided valuable insights. Assumptions, especially regarding turbulence intensity, were made based on established ranges.

RESULTS

The 12 mm hole minimally impacted aerodynamics. Increasing hole diameter decreased tested factors, but not proportionally.

CONCLUSION

The tested 12 mm hole had negligible effects on aerodynamics. Recommendations included adding a transparent cover for minimal impact.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Consider adding a transparent cover to further minimize any potential aerodynamic effects.

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