Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition

IREC is the flagship event of the Spaceport America Cup that takes place annually in New Mexico. As a team from the AIAA UTD student chapter, our goal is to launch a scientific payload to a target altitude of 30,000 feet using a custom designed rocket and recover it safely. As part of the structures sub-team, our duties include researching rocket structures and communicating with other sub-teams in order to design parts to their specifications.

To facilitate this process, I have created a MATLAB script that automatically generates shear and bending moment diagrams based on varying inputs from other sub-teams. This allows us to quickly determine whether or not a certain material is suitable for a part. Using SolidWorks I have created CAD models that serve to validate our mathematical models from the MATLAB script and our hand calculations. Below are some examples of how SolidWorks has helped us solve problems that are too complex such as mass optimization and stress calculations.

With SolidWorks Simulation, I was able to use the mass optimization study on the rocket coupling to identify parts of the structure that could be removed to reduce the weight. Every ounce reduced helps our rocket to reach its target altitude of 30,000 feet.

The stress testing of the stabilization fins allows us to determine if the geometry and materials used in the design fall within our safety margin. The design of the fin is crucial to stabilizing the flight path of the rocket as it is calculated to reach MACH 1.8 during its journey.