Project 4.3 – Model Rocket Simulation
Purpose
Engineers use both theoretical and experimental data to make design decisions to
maximize vehicular performance. When engineers use theoretical data, they base
their design decisions on calculations from mathematical formulas. When an
engineer tests a vehicle in a wind tunnel, for example, and makes design decisions
based on test results, the engineer is using experimental data. Engineers frequently
use both types of data to fine-tune their designs.
For this project, the rocket flight simulation program, RocketModeler II, will be used.
RocketModeler is available at the NASA Glenn Research Center web address:
http://exploration.grc.nasa.gov/education/rocket/rktsim.html
Since this is a simulation software program, you will be pretending to fly the rocket,
collecting data, and making design decisions based on this experimental data.
However, since this is a computer simulation, the data is not based on actual
experimental test results but on mathematical formulas, which implies theoretical
data. Even though this is a subtle point that you may not have considered,
nonetheless, you need to realize computers play an essential role in engineering
design.
Equipment
 Computer
 Rocket Modeler II simulation program
 Internet connection (optional)
Procedure
The purpose of the project is for you to investigate how changes in various design
characteristics of a model rocket will affect the model rocket’s flight performance.
When the Rocket Modeler program is opened, the rocket has default settings for the
design characteristics and the materials used in the rocket. Record the settings on
line 1 of Chart 1.
Launch the rocket, with all the default settings, using the launch procedure below.
Record the maximum height the rocket attains in Chart 1.
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GTT – Flight and Space Unit – Lesson 4 – Project 4.3 – Rocket Model Simulation – Page 1
To Launch:
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Click on “Model” to select the type of rocket
Click on “Design” and click on “Go”
Click on “Fuel” and click on “Go”
Click on “Pad” and click on “Go”
Click on “Launch” and click on “Fire”
Watch the rocket fly!
Amount of Lift at the Default Setting for a Model Rocket ________________________
When you fly the rocket, notice the velocity (m/s) of the rocket as in ascends and as
it descends. Velocity is a vector quantity. Vectors have both magnitude and
direction. The sign of the number indicates the direction the rocket is traveling. A
positive sign indicates the rocket is traveling upward; a negative sign indicates the
rocket is traveling downward. The magnitude represents how quickly the rocket is
changing position for a given unit of time.
You will be simulating model rocket flight using a one stage A8-3, and the design
constraints listed in the table below. Design 10 rockets changing only the fin design
variables with each successive launch and determine which fin design flies the
highest. Record the fin design characteristic data and maximum height the rocket
attains in the Rocket Flight Simulation Data Table.
Within your group, formulate a hypothesis for the type of fin which will give the best
performance. Include the number of fins, length of fins (i.e. long or short), width of
the fins, and steepness of the angle of the fin compared to the body. Record your
hypothesis below.
Hypothesis:
Rocket Flight Simulation Chart 1
Design Constraints
Launch Settings

Model Rocket (Solid Fuel)
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Fuel – Accept Defaults (A8-3)
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Nose – Accept defaults (3 inch length, 1
inch length, 1/16 hollow plastic,
parabolic)
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Pad – Accept Defaults (no wind,
shoot straight up)
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Payload – Accept defaults
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Body – Accept defaults (8 in length, 1
inch diameter, 1/32 cardboard)
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Fin – 1/16 gray cardboard
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GTT – Flight and Space Unit – Lesson 4 – Project 4.3 – Rocket Model Simulation – Page 2
Launch
Design Characteristics
Number
of Fins
Shape
of Fins
Location
from
end of
rocket
Length
Width
Flight Data
Leading
Edge
Angle
Trailing
Edge
Angle
Maximum
Height
Obtained
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Conclusion
After completing all 10 launches, you will analyze the data collected from the 10
rocket flights by answering the conclusion questions
.
1. Which launch flew the highest?
2. What are the characteristics of the fin design?
3. Which rocket attained the lowest height?
4. Compare the design characteristics of the rocket that attained the maximum
height with the rocket that attained the lowest height?
5. Discuss the relationship between your group’s hypothesis statement and the data
collected from simulated rocket flight.
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Copyright 2006
GTT – Flight and Space Unit – Lesson 4 – Project 4.3 – Rocket Model Simulation – Page 3