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Publication Date

2021

First Advisor

Paul Voss

Document Type

Honors Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Engineering

Keywords

Aerospace, Rocket, Thrust, Control systems, Stability, Mechatronics, Gimbaled thrust system, Vectored thrust system

Abstract

Rockets have become imperative in today’s world in order for modern technology to function, due to the demand for internet, GPS, and satellite capabilities. Pushing the boundaries of rocket control systems can save on cost and improve the efficiency of the overall payload delivery procedure. Rocket recovery is one of the main cost saving methods in the space payload delivery industry. Recovery is made possible through rocket control systems, such as a gimbaled thrust system, that are able to control descent and landing of the rocket allowing for reusability. The goal of this project was to design, build, and test a gimbaled thrust system for model rocket application. Force, moment, and stability analysis informed the system design including selection of gain constants for a PID control system. Performance was verified through a bench-top test of the thruster motion. The test results confirmed the system should be capable of controlling rocket orientation during flight. The gimbaled thrust system functioned as predicted, opportunities for additional development and testing are discussed.

Rights

©2021. Halle E. Brown

Language

English

Comments

77 pages : illustrations (some color) Includes bibliographical references (pages 41-42)

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