OpenRocketSolidWorks3D PrintingFlight Simulation
A small-scale model rocket optimized in OpenRocket for a 1.5–2.0 caliber stability margin, with custom 3D-printed fins and nose cone, launched and compared against the simulation.
- Caliber stability margin
- 1.5–2.0
- Predicted apogee
- ~300 ft
Overview
I engineered a small-scale model rocket for aerodynamic stability and weight efficiency, using OpenRocket to tune the airframe geometry to a 1.5–2.0 caliber stability margin.
Design trade-off
I modeled custom 3D-printed fins and a nose cone to hit specific centre-of-mass and centre-of-pressure targets. Mass was added deliberately to improve stability, at the cost of maximum altitude.
Launch
The rocket was launched and recovered at a predicted apogee of about 300 ft, validating the OpenRocket simulation against post-flight data.