Model Rocket CAD
Personal CAD Project
Benjamin Smith
Introduction to Engineering Design
Dr. Smita Bharti
Project Selection:
I chose to create a model rocket in Solidworks for a variety of reasons. The first being
that I wanted to choose a project that related to my major aerospace engineering. I also used to
partake in model rocket launches when I was younger so this project is also a tribute to a source
of inspiration that drove me to study aerospace engineering.
The most difficult part of this project was extruding the slots on the rocket body to slot
the fins into. At the start of this project I did not know how to extrude features onto cylindrical
surface. I had to learn the new feature wrap, which allowed me to draw the slots on a 2D plane
and wrap them around the rocket body, the feature also automatically debossed the material in
the sketch leaving me with the slots that I needed.
This product relates to my interests, because the design principles of a model rocket can
apply to actual rockets, particularly in regards to aerodynamics. Additionally as I stated before I
used to partake in model rocket launches which was a source of inspiration for aerospace
engineering.
My design is based off the basic model rocket design provided by NASA see figure 1
below. The basic design by NASA labels the essential components of a model rocket from which
I designed my own of. The only component that I created which was not diagramed by NASA
was the launch pad which is a universally simple design which it just a raised disk with a rod for
guiding the launch.
My understanding of Solidworks was increased through this project by learning the wrap
function and having to work with the circumference of a cylinder. The project also improved my
assembly skills through the volume of parts combined into the final assembly.
Figure 1: NASA Basic Model Rocket Diagram
Figure 2: Rocket with Guide Rail Visible
Figure 3: The Shelled Base of the Launch Pad is Visible
Figure 4: In this view without the Launch Pad the C6-5 Rocket Engine’s Nozzle is visible as well
as the Launch Lug on the Rocket’s side
Figure 5: Orthographic Drawing of Model Rocket
Works Cited:
Benson, Tom. "Model Rockets." NASA. NASA Glenn Research Center, n.d. Web. 18 Nov.
2016. https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/rocket/rktparts.html