The second half of last term saw the Upper Sixth and Lower Sixth / Fifth Form STEM teams begin designing their entries into the National Youth Rocketry competition that takes place on 25 March.
Both teams have been keen to carry out a range of tests, from looking at protective materials to secure the payload, parachute deployment tests, and test firing rockets to calibrate for different wind conditions. Both teams are now in the building phase using Solids Works CAD design program, and the College’s STEM 3D printer, to build new fins and engine mounts.
A number of Sixth Form students have been busy designing and building the new MicroTransat Competition entry. ‘Boat Four’, as it is currently known, has been designed building upon the legacy of the previous three entries. Students have looked at a number of areas from designing and building a 3D-printed sail, to using moments to calculate the pivot point and trim the ballast.
This challenge has allowed students to try a number of engineering tasks from electronics, to metalwork, and 3D printing. Currently, students are running tests on the electronics and the new waterproof baffles designed to help stop any leaks, which unfortunately scuppered our previous attempt.
