Highschool Projects

Aerospike Model Rocket Nozzle

During high school, I developed my own model rocket engines using a cost-effective method involving PVC pipe, clay, powdered sugar as fuel, and potassium nitrate as oxidizer. Inspired by NASA's Venture Star SSTO and its innovative aerospike engine, I set out to create a model rocket engine using an aerospike nozzle.

Aerospike engines are known for their efficiency across a wide range of ambient pressures, and I was eager to replicate this design. However, I had limited access to materials, working with pop cans, super glue, hot glue, JB Weld, and basic woodworking tools.

First Iteration

My initial design featured a cone-shaped spike made from pop can metal and filled with hot glue to act as a heat sink. It was attached to the engine with thin metal struts and featured a makeshift nozzle constriction. However, this version failed due to the struts melting under the high heat of the exhaust and improper constriction of the nozzle, which limited thrust.

Improved Design

After multiple iterations, I developed a more robust design using thicker nails to secure the spike, which prevented melting. I also improved the nozzle's constriction by using a 90-degree angle for the throat, which provided better flow control. Additionally, I redesigned the spike with a staged, dual-cone structure to better approximate the ideal aerospike shape for efficiency.

Final Results

The final design performed significantly better, with the spike remaining intact and the nozzle functioning more effectively. However, high pressure caused some exhaust leakage around the spike attachment points, and an unexpected side effect was the inflation of duct tape around the spike, which temporarily sealed the nozzle before being blown off. Despite this, the engine continued to fire normally.

This project allowed me to explore the challenges of creating an aerospike nozzle with limited materials and highlighted the complexities of managing temperature and pressure in rocket design.

High School Astronomy Project

In my high school astronomy class, which was equivalent to a university-level Astronomy 101 course, I completed an open-ended final project. For this project, I created and simulated a Mars-equivalent mission using the game Simple Rockets 2, a 3D space simulation game with its own solar system, realistic orbital mechanics, and aerodynamics.

I based the mission architecture on NASA's Constellation program and executed a mission from Droo (the game’s Earth equivalent) to Cylero (the Mars equivalent). I created a video to showcase the entire mission.

As part of the project, I also calculated the delta velocity (ΔV) required for an inclination change in orbit and demonstrated the maneuver in a separate video. Additionally, I flew a lunar landing mission and included that video as well.

To support the orbital mechanics calculations, I developed a Google Sheet that could compute various orbital parameters. By inputting values such as planet mass, diameter, apoapsis, periapsis, and altitude, the spreadsheet could calculate key orbital variables. It also included a section for calculating ΔV for rocket stages based on ISP, dry mass, and wet mass.