Embedded Files
Project Zephyr – Supersonic Sound Rocket
(Part of the Embry-Riddle Future Space Explorers and Developers Society, ERFSEDS)
A collaborative student-led effort to design and analyze a supersonic rocket capable of reaching high-altitude flight. Focused on aerodynamic modeling, structural design, and systems documentation to support design review readiness. The main objective of the project is to test our experimental parachute which is set to deploy at Mach 1.
Structures Team Member
Structures Team Member
Contributed to the structural design of Zephyr’s airframe and fin assembly.
Supported load path verification, component selection, and assembly integration with propulsion and avionics subsystems.
Participated in design iteration reviews, applying feedback from testing and simulation results to improve structural performance.
MATLAB Analysis
MATLAB Analysis
Performed structural and aerodynamic calculations for the rocket.
Applied principles of statics, compressible flow, and materials analysis to evaluate fin and fuselage performance under supersonic loads.
Developed preliminary stress and pressure models, gaining experience with Mach number effects, aerodynamic heating, and drag estimation.
Key collaboration with manufacturing sub-team to model fins, number of shear pins, and adjust values such as the center of pressure and center of mass.
Reports, PDR's and Investigations
Reports, PDR's and Investigations
Authored and co-authored technical documentation including the Preliminary Design Report (PDR) and internal engineering memos.
Investigated discrepancies between analytical predictions and prototype results, proposing design adjustments based on data trends.
Ensured clear communication between aerodynamic, structures, and recovery teams through consistent documentation and review updates.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Beyond structural analysis, I got hands-on with the manufacturing side of Zephyr, assisting with CNC machining of the rocket's structural bulkheads. Working directly on the hardware I had analyzed closed the loop between the numbers and the physical part, seeing firsthand how tolerances, fixturing, and machining constraints shape what a "correct" structural design actually looks like on the shop floor, not just on paper.
I also supported composite fabrication on the fiberglass body tube, the same component I had run shear analysis on to determine shear pin placement, giving me a direct view into how analytical decisions translate into layup and assembly work.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse