Main Body
The main body team is responsible for designing and building the structural components of the rocket. The team also ensures the rocket can withstand launch and flight forces, maintain stability, and meet specific launch site requirements. They work closely with all other sub-teams to integrate all systems for a successful launch.
Propulsion
This year our rocket is participating in the 10kft COTS category, where we will be utilizing the purchased motor as the propulsion system. The use of COTS motors allows for a greater degree of flexibility, as we can select a motor that is specifically tailored to the needs of our rocket and also allows us to focus on other critical aspects of the rocket design. The purchased rocket motor is a strategic choice that, enables us to make the most of our resources and accomplish our objectives in the 10k commercial category. We also look forward to researching, designing, building, and testing the engines and fuel systems that will power the next generation of rockets in the upcoming years. The team also works closely with the guidance, navigation, and control sub-team to ensure that the propulsion system can be accurately controlled during flight. Overall, the propulsion team plays a critical role in the success of the rocketry project, as the propulsion system is responsible for providing the necessary thrust to launch the rocket.
Aerodynamics
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The aerodynamics team works on how the rocket behaves after the launch until reaching the apogee. Simulation software like OpenRocket is used by the team to predict the apogee, the maximum velocity, and the acceleration of the rocket. The team also works on the fin design, which is an integral part of the rocket and is responsible for stability. Designs are tested on complex CFD software like ANSYS Fluid Flow to analyze the flow over the body and minimize the wake caused by the shape.
Air Brakes
The Air brakes sub-team, a new and innovative addition to Uwindsor’s Rocketry Team, will be working on implementing an apogee control system for the 2023 rocket, to maximize the effectiveness of the rocket’s mission. The team will be developing an active control system that would allow the generation of variable drag to the rocket by varying the braking area according to the developing conditions of the rocket during flight. This would allow for enhanced control and ensure that the team achieves the target apogee precisely
Avionics & Recovery
The Recovery sub-team works to tailor a solution which will slow down the descent of the rocket to low speeds so there is minimal damage done when the rocket lands. Avionic devices will be the key of achieving this goal. By collecting data from the environment, such as pressure, sending data to the flight computer can help the system to determine which is the best timing of execute the recovery system. GPS will be integrated onto the board in order to help us tracking and retrieving the rocket.
Business & Finance
The business sub-team is working to provide funding for the other sub-teams including propulsion, and main body. Throughout the course of the semester, the business team is going to put on numerous fundraisers such as a Fifa Tournament, and Bake Sale. Some of the upcoming plans include a Virtual Golf Tournament, and raffles that will go towards travel expenses to New Mexico. The business team also reaches out to sponsors via email and keeps track of the finances through Microsoft Excel. These sponsors support the team through donations, and equipment, all of which are greatly appreciated. All of the funds the business team raises go right back into the creation of this year's rocket.
