Embedded Files
When I was younger, I had no idea what I would be interested in for college. I took as many electives as I could in middle/high school to figure out what I liked. One of them being a transportation technology class that propelled me in the direction of mechanical engineering. This class had an automotive and aerospace section where we were able to design and test transportation methods. One of the projects I worked on were these 2 cardstock rockets.
This project had 2 stages: distance testing and accuracy testing. We were tasked with building rockets that would be launched and iterated upon to see who could create the most aerodynamic rockets. The 2 rockets in these images were some of my most accurate and furthest-reaching rockets. Our class launched these rockets off a launcher that used air as a way to propel the rockets into the air. I created over 20+ models in the span of 2 months, aiming to improve the distance my rocket could travel. Along with my models, I kept detailed documentation for each rocket and its launches. The intention of this was to have a well-kept log so I could iterate on my rockets and keep all details well organised. I performed extensive iterations of the nose of my rocket, changing the size, angles, and how sharp the point was. My max distance ended up being approximately 72 ft after a month of iterations.
I also experimented with different fin sizes, shapes, and angles to determine the best spin. This testing was crucial for accuracy testing, as the rockets did not have to travel far, but they had to pass through a small hula-hoop. I ended up placing 3rd in the class for accuracy testing after 3 weeks of testing. During this time, I was able to develop skills with a bandsaw, hand-held mechanical tools, and design iteration.
At the end of the year, I was lucky enough to receive an award for outstanding performance in this class, being one of two students selected from my 8th-grade class. This class kick-started my love for design iteration and my passion for engineering. It was also the reason why I started building and launching model rockets in my free time. I hope to use these experiences to continue to improve and develop my skills.
Phone
(203)-819-9670
rescsanski.s@northeastern.edu
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse