Precision Optical Mounts for Suborbital Rocket Flight
Applied Technology
Emrick Little
- Grade:
- 11
- Teacher:
- Tobias Kochenderfer
This project focuses on the design and analysis of a mirror mount for use in a sounding rocket. The objective was to minimize displacement caused by launch vibrations, gravitational on Earth, and thermal effects in order to maintain precise optical alignment. Using SolidWorks simulations, including force and vibration analyses, multiple designs were evaluated and compared based on displacement under various loading conditions and resonant frequency. The final design demonstrates improved structural stability under expected launch conditions, helping ensure accurate and reliable performance of the optical instrument.
The systematic comparative design process, the use of professional engineering simulation tools, the application of real NASA vibration data, and the connection to an active university space mission all represent a level of ambition and execution.
Well thought out project. Hope you get to do some physical testing to assure your simulations are on target. Best of luck!
Yo your like genuinely a genius, I’m actually so impressed