WPI AIAA Research Rocket for the Investigation of Recovery and Staging

This project investigated two areas related to high powered model rocketry; aerodynamics and hybrid rocket motors. In the aerodynamics area, the team investigated the phenomenon of fin flutter. Models for fin flutter in the literature were reviewed and results measured using scaled fins in a low speed wind tunnel. A flight compatible data acquisition system was designed and built to measure and record flutter data during flight. In the hybrid propulsion area, motors were designed, built and tested which used either PVC or paraffin with nitrous oxide. Thrust data was collected using a thrust stand and data collection system built as part of the project. CFD modeling was used to investigate the flow of air over fins of different geometry and the flow oxidizer through different injectors