Proposal for Brown College Course: Introduction to Amateur Rocketry

Proposal for BrownCollege Course: Introduction to Amateur Rocketry

Introduction

Model rocketry began in the United States in 1957[1]. Since that time, millions of rockets have been flown by tens of thousands of people. Most of these rockets are low power, built from simple kits bought in stores and hobby shops, and they are launched in open fields using small, commercial launchers. Provided that well-established safety rules are followed, one merely needs to build according to the instructions to enjoy a safe and successful flight. No real technical expertise is required, as long as one follows the manufacturers’ recommendations for construction and power. To most people, even those that fly model rockets, this simple approach is all model rocketry encompasses.

However, amateur rocketry goes far beyond this basic level. Model rockets are generally considered to be those powered by D engines (20 N-s of thrust) or smaller. Beyond this level lies mid-power rocketry (E-G engines, up to 160 N-sec of total thrust) and high-power rocketry (H to N engines, up to 20,000 N-sec of thrust and requiring special certifications). Safe flight of these rockets requires far more technical knowledge, such as aerodynamics, materials science, chemistry, and ballistic physics. Yet all advanced rocketeers began in the same way- building and flying model rockets, using them as a learning tool to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to move on to more advanced areas. Many current rocket scientists are avid model rocketeers; conversely, many young model rocketeers go on to aerospace or other advanced technical fields. It is an excellent small-scale forum for the development of technical analysis and engineering skills.

I have been flying model rockets for several years, returning to the field as an adult after having launched models as a youngster. It has been a fascinating journey as I have progressed from simple kits to advanced models capable of reaching thousands of feet in the air. I am currently working toward my Level I (H-I) and Level II (J-L) high-power certifications, and have begun to design my own rockets based on the principles to be taught in this course. I would like to share the knowledge I have acquired over this time, and spark an interest in this field among the students.

Objective

This course is designed to use model rockets as a teaching tool to learn about the technical aspects of amateur rocketry. Students will learn about aerodynamics and stability, the factors that affect the flight of a model, and how to predict the aerodynamic performance of a rocket. They will learn about recovery techniques, how to calculate descent rates, and how to choose the appropriate recovery method. The students will learn about modern rocket engines, from simple black powder motors to advanced composite motors that use the same propellant as the Space Shuttle. They will also learn the different construction materials and techniques that are available, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and how to choose between them given a specific design criteria. Finally, the students will build two different models of their choosing- one basic and one more advanced, that will be launched at mid semester and at the end of the semester, respectively.

Syllabus

The course will be taught once a week for 90 minutes. The time will be broken into a lecture/discussion period and a building session. No prior knowledge of rocketry is required. Students will be evaluated based on their attendance, rocket builds, and quizzes. The grade is broken down as follows:

40% Class attendance

40% Rocket Builds (20% each, based on flight performance vs student prediction)

20% Quizzes (Four quizzes, 5% each)

Participants will be expected to provide their own rocket kits; cost is expected to be less than $50 total (kits and supplies).

Class Schedule

Week 1

Introduction- What is amateur rocketry?

Rocketry Safety codes

Week 2

Aerodynamics Part I

Week 3

Building materials and techniques Part I

Begin 1st build

Week 4

Rocket Engines Part I

Continue 1st build

Week 5

Recovery Part I

Continue 1st build

Week 6

Finishing techniques

Continue 1st build

Week 7

Flight preparation

First launch

Week 8

Aerodynamics Part II

Begin 2nd build

Week 9

Building materials and techniques Part II

Continue 2nd build

Week 10

Engines Part II

Continue 2nd build

Week 11

Recovery II

Continue 2nd build

Week 12

Payloads

Continue 2nd build

Week 13

Electronics

Continue 2nd build

Week 14