Back to the Moon

Engineering Graphics

Designed by

MAJ John Surgett
surgett@nmmi.edu

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page

Introduction

Go here to watch videos of model rockets (check out the egg lofter crash video - this is what you don't want your rocket to do!)

You are to go and study the various components of a rocket and grasp a better understanding of rocket design. Then, you will use NASA's rocket simulator program to design and test your rocket.  When designing your rocket, you need to keep in mind that the cost of the rocket is crucial to the success of the project (in other words, the lighter the better).  After your team has chosen a design, you will then build and launch your rocket. You will then compare and analyze the data from the launch with the rocket simulator data and explain any differences. 

Phase One - Design & Testing

• Once you have become familiar with the software, choose the solid engine rocket tab (this tells the program the type of propulsion you will be using).
• Make sure the units in the program are English.
• Begin with the nose tab and begin designing your rocket.
• You will then choose the "payload", "body", and "fins" tabs and continue to design your rocket. (There are detailed instructions explaining how to use the program at the NASA web site)
• Note: the more information you enter into the NASA program, the more accurate the output data will be (more accurate flight pattern).  Example: since the launch site is not at sea level, how does altitude affect the flight pattern of the rocket?  How does the Center of Gravity (CG) of the rocket affect its performance - do you want the CG toward the nose or tail of the rocket? What is weathercocking? How will it affect the flight of your rocket? There are many variables to consider when designing your rocket.

• Your rocket must carry a payload of sensitive material (an egg) up and back down without breaking/cracking it.  Since the egg will be located in the top portion of the rocket, you will enter the weight of the egg in the "Ballast" area under the nose tab.  Go here for the sensitive material (egg) specifications.  You will also have to make the payload area of the rocket large enough to fit an egg. How will you keep the egg safe during the landing? Since there is no atmosphere on the moon, you will not be allowed to use parachutes to safely land the rocket.  How will you protect the egg?  Will you enclose the egg in a protective material?  Build a rocket glider that will safely return to the ground?  Be creative!
  

• You want your rocket to stay airborne as long as possible, and you will all be using the same size engine (C6-5) - therefore your rocket needs to be lightweight as well as durable. Click here for rocket engine dimensions.  Note:  any rocket that looks unsafe will NOT be launched...make sure that you take this into consideration when designing the engine mount for your rocket.  The engine mount must hold the engine securely within the rocket. Go here for engine mount ideas.

• You must also land your payload (egg) back at the launch pad site. Since the speed of the wind will be a major factor in the landing, complete this worksheet with the NASA program for the given wind speeds using your final rocket design.On the day of the launch, there will be an anemometer available, which is a device used to measure wind speed (in mph), at the launch site. You will use this device to determine the proper launch angle for your model rocket. 

• 3-D view of rocket
• From the 3-D view, creeate orthographic top and front views with dimensions
• Assembly View with parts list

	Beginning 5	Developing 10	Accomplished 15	Exemplary 20	Score
Defined Terms worksheet	3 or fewer words defined correctly	4 to 6 words defined correctly	All words defined correctly	All words defined correctly with additional words defined
Orthographic Drawing	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric
Orthographic Drawing	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric
3-D Drawing	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric
3-D Drawing	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric
Assembly Drawing	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric
Assembly Drawing	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric	See Drawing Rubric
Snapshots of Launch and Rocket Design (Weight of rocket)	Little effort put into design of rocket as seen by heavy weight of rocket, lacking creativity and/or uniqueness. Design does not include space for payload (egg)	Rocket is heavy, design is not creative or unique, but design does include space for payload (egg)	Rocket is relatively lightweight, design is somewhat creative and unique, and includes space for payload (egg)	Rocket is extremely lightweight, design is creative and unique, and includes space for payload (egg)
Time of rocket	last place	5th place	2nd - 4th place	1st place
Written Explanation	Did not answer questions, gaps in explanation, less than 100 words, not typed	Answered all but one question, gaps in explanation, less than 100 words, typed	Answered all questions, some minor gaps in explanation, more than 100 words, typed	Answered all questions, thorough and detailed explanation, more than 100 words, typed
Landing Distance from launch pad	Where did it go?! (>200 feet)	From 101 to 200 feet	From 51 to 100 feet	Within 50 feet
Damage to sensitive cargo	Sensitive cargo is scrambled	Sensitive cargo is destroyed, but yolk is still intact	Sensitive cargo is intact, but has crack(s)	Sensitive cargo is intact with no cracks

After completing this project you will have turned in a total of 8 assignments - the Defined Terms worksheet, the Orthographic Drawing, the Sectional View Drawing, the Assembly Drawing, the Wind Speed worksheet, the Snapshots of Launch and Rocket Design, the Comparison worksheet and the Written Explanation.  You will also have been exposed to engineering and its applications to real-life problems.  If you are interested in learning more about the individuals who design real rocket missions, go to NASA's website to find out what it takes to become a NASA engineer.