Water Powered Rockets

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Water Powered Rockets
Propelling students to greater heights
Dr Mark W. Johnson
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Introduction
Project for about 100 Year 1 Mechanical
Engineering students.
Two separate weeks mid December and late January.

Students working in groups of 5 with self
organisation.
Objective to improve understanding of engineering
science learnt in previous 3 months and to
develop team working and communication skills.
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Objectives
Week 1
1) To design and build a water propelled rocket
and launcher using the materials provided.
2) To predict the rocket performance (apogee
height) using Year 1 engineering science.
3) To test the rocket and compare the measured
and predicted apogee heights.
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Objectives
Week 2
1) To optimise the rocket design.
2) To consider the rocket stability and design
and build suitable fins.
3) To present the work in a written report and
oral presentation.
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Launcher
Jubilee clips
Plastic pipe
Drinks bottle cap
Cycle Valve
Plywood
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Release mechanism
Cable ties
Bottle neck
Release Cord
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Rocket
Ballast
Pressure Vessel
Fins
O ring
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Pump
Pressure gauge
Connector
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Simple altimeter
Ballast
Graduated scale
Pressure Vessel
Fins
O ring
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Engineering Science
Performance Prediction (Computing)
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Performance prediction
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Optimisation
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Learning outcomes
1) The recognition of the importance of
engineering science in the design process.
2) The ability to present technical and design
work through orals and reports.
3) The ability to work within a team.