Design of a re-usable rocket for triggered-lightning experiments
Date
2007-02-26T12:37:06Z
Authors
Grant, Michael David
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Abstract
This dissertation presents the design of a re-usable rocket for use in triggered-lightning experiments. It
is intended that the rocket will tow a thin wire to sufficient height so that the lightning mechanism will
attach onto the wire and follow it to ground. The rocket design is inherently safe as it does not use
explosive materials for its propulsion system, and hence conforms to South African explosive legislation.
The designed rocket consists of a hybrid motor, which uses a solid combustion chamber and liquid oxidiser
rather than solid motors which use a single solid fuel or a liquid motor which uses two liquid propellants.
The mechanical performance of the oxidiser stage is critical in containing the pressurised oxidiser and
regulating the flow of the oxidiser into the combustion chamber. The design of the combustion chamber
and the rate at which the solid material burns is key to the generation of the pressure which is expelled
through the nozzle to produce thrust. The design of the nozzle is covered in which the material from
which it is made must withstand temperatures in excess of 1600 ◦C. The entire system was modelled to
calculate the parameters of the various subsystems. The simulation study shows that the rocket will be
able to reach 1 km with a complete section of wire towed behind it.
A cost analysis, against other commercial rocket systems, was performed. The analysis concludes from
the total cost of ownership that it is significantly cheaper to operate the designed rocket, over the course
of the experiment, than other rocket systems.
Description
Student Number : 0105159R -
MSc(Eng) Dissertation -
School of Electrical and Information Engineering -
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Keywords
hybrid fuel, re-usable rocket, rocket design, total cost of ownership, triggered-lightning