The project model was 0.0046 scale of the N1, resulting in just under two feet tall. The model base made in CATIA was changed to a slightly wider design to accommodate the shaker table, and was broken between the first and second stages to fit the 1 ft maximum printing requirement of the prototyping lab. Analysis was performed in ANSYS modeling software and MATLAB to find the natural frequencies.

My individual role in this project primarily included creating the CATIA model for the bottom half of the N1 scale model. To accomplish this, research was done to find public domain blueprints for the full scale N1 and create a scale that would fit both the project requirement and the size limitations of the 3D printer.

The results of this project were a 3D printed 0.0049 scale model rocket with slight differences in the design, including a thicker body and solid mid-sections. Further results included frequency spectrum analysis of three impact tests and a sine sweep test using the shaker table, measured at the top and middle of the model. These results were compared to simulated ANSYS results for the first ten modes, and percent errors were calculated. Unfortunately, only 3 of the 10 modes fell between 1-6% error, most likely due to the friction fit of the two sections.

This project was an exercise in time management, 3D modeling and ANSYS software, as well as proof of concept for the effects of natural frequencies. This project also highlighted the importance of structural engineering and strengthened my knowledge in vibrational analysis through a hands-on application.

AE 325: Experimental Space Systems with Dr. Yabin Liao and team: Tyler O’donnell-Paccione, Brendan McGeeney, and Dominick Uzzardo.