Rocket with Helicopter recovery system

thingiverse

I was looking for a unique way to show the effects of drag to students in the rocketry unit besides using the conventional parachute or streamer. Inspired by seeds falling out of a maple tree ( Watching them rotate their way slowly down towards my gutters) I though why not helicopter blades. Did some research, saw some good ideas, and this is what I came up with. The rocket will accept ESTES model rocket engines A,B,and C. I'm happy with the looks but think its could be lighter. Print Settings Printer Brand: MakerBot Printer: MakerBot Replicator 2 Rafts: Yes Supports: No Resolution: Standard Infill: Standard Notes: Engine holder has supports in the stl file spaced 0.005" below the fin brackets. (they snap off easily) When Printing the Body fins it wouldn't hurt the add supports. I didn't but ended up with a functional but less than perfect print. Post-Printing I wanted to make this design so it could be put together without glue. This is why there are threads and barb fittings on the body sections and pins. It may also help to SLIGHTLY warm the barbed section of the body and pins with a hairdryer if printed in PLA to make them less brittle when pushing them into place. You may also want to add a little glue to the bottom fins once they are in the right spot or use a soldering iron to make a small weld to secure them in place. You'll have to do a little sanding to make sure the fit between parts is good. Although it shouldn't be to much as I played with tolerances as I was printing and reprinting parts. How I Designed This This is a rocket that doesn't need a parachute for recovery because it has three helicopter blades that will create drag and slow its decent back to the ground much like those wonderful maple seeds we clean out of our gutters every year. It was designed on Solidworks (and redesigned more than once) then printed on a replicator 2. Custom Section Project: Model Rocketry To Objectives: Upon competition of this unit students should be able to Understand Newton’s laws of physics Understand the concepts of an action reaction engine and thrust Understand the concepts of drag (controlling and recovery systems of a rocket. Understand the stages in the flight of a rocket. o Audiences: This would be suitable for grades 7,8 Technology education classes or science classes o Preparation: At this point in the year Students have been working with solid works for half the year and have become or should be familiar with the program. Students should have an understanding of the principles behind rocket flight. I use this PowerPoint as a lecture tool. Rocketry power pointhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByqQhIB1DIDDTkxyd1ZYdEZtVVU/view?usp=sharing o Steps! 1) Introduce the unit of rocketry to the students 2) Teach the principles of flight using the above PP 3) Have students sketch out a design of a custom rocket they would like to build. (must include an engine mount, launch lug, recovery system of any kind parachute and streamers are popular, and nose cone) 4) Once sketches are approved students can design their rocket on solid works (or other software) from sketch. 5) Completed plans are then built or better yet printed! 6) Take outside and fly! Results: At the end of this unit Students should have Designed and produced a model rocket. They should Understand the objectives listed above. As a check for understanding have students reflect on their rocket in a typed paper that answers these questions. What was good about it? What could be better if I designed it again? Who’s in class went the highest? Why do you think that was? Who had the most unique rocket in class? Did it work well? Why or Why not? And any other open questions that would apply ell us more...