1.

Fluid is flowing along positive x direction, this implies (specify option with reason):a) Pressure is decreasing along x b) Pressure is increasing along x c) Any of the above is possible Option (c) is correct as it is not necessary that pressure will monotonically decrease or increase in the direction of flow. Take the example of flow which is the superposition of free stream, source and sink (rankine body).

2.

Red dot indicates Centre of Pressure, determine its correct position (1 or 2) for vehicle to be stable. Justify.

For the vehicle to be stable, the centre of pressure must be at point 2 as during the flight of a model rocket small gusts of wind, or thrust instabilities can cause the rocket to "wobble", or change its attitude in flight which can be eliminated if centre of pressure is at point 2.

The resultant of pressure force acts through the CP, causing the rocket to rotate about its CG, changing slightly the angle of attack (alpha).This change in angle of attack immediately generates a lift force, acting as shown (normal to the body) through the CP. This force balances the force due to wind, and the rocket remains stable, with its flight path only slightly altered.

Again, a lift force is generated due to the change in angle of attack, but this time the lift force acts in the same direction as the wind force. The consequence of this is an unchecked rotation of the rocket about its CG, as shown. Any small displacement of the nose generates forces that cause the displacement to increase. The rocket becomes unstable, that is, its flight path is no longer linear motion, but rotational motion is introduced. The rocket tries to turn around and fly backward.

4.

Explain the function of canards and fins, and how are they different from each other. Canard is a short wing like control surface projecting from the fuselage of an aircraft, such as a space shuttle, mounted forward of the main wing and serving as a horizontal stabilizer. A canard can be used to produce lift in upward direction as well as to stall prior to the main wing. This means that once the canard stalls, the nose tends to pitch down, thus reducing the angle of attack of the main wing.

Fin is a fixed or movable airfoil used to stabilize an aircraft, missile, or projectile in flight. The purpose of putting fins on a rocket is to provide stability during flight, that is, to allow the rocket to maintain its orientation and intended flight path. Fitting fins on a rocket serves to locate the centre of pressure aft of the CG. A rocket without fins will begin to tumble after being launched, due to the way that aerodynamic and other forces (such as wind) act upon the rocket, in relation to the forces that are exerted upon the rocket by the motor and by gravity.

The difference between a canard and a fin is that a fin is used only to provide stability during flight but a canard can be used for both providing stability as well as creating static longitudinal instability which is needed in order to make aircrafts more maneuverable.

5.

What do you expect from Sounding Rocket Project? Give your ideas about mission statement for VyOM 2. From this project I expect to gain knowledge and experience enough to feel proud that I am studying in a space institute. This project will give the students a practical insight into the rocketry and flight dynamics apart from the theoretical concepts of the class lectures.

6.

Design/suggest a mechanism for fin deployment in rocket (Keep in mind the flow should not be disturbed).

A hold down device positioned on the rocket to exert a known spring force in opposition to the centrifugal force is one of the fin deployment mechanisms. When the forcing moment produced by the centrifugal force acting on the fin exceeds the opposing moment produced by the hold down device, the hold down device will release the fin allowing it to swing into its deployed position.

Isometric View

Fins Arrangement

Fins After Deployment

7.

A bullet and a rocket are propelled with different mechanisms, why cant we use the same for both. A bullet is so small for incorporating the necessary parts required for propulsion in the same way as the rocket i.e. propellant tanks, ignition mechanisms etc. Also the effects of drag and lift are less pronounced for a bullet and need not be considered in the way it is done for a rocket because of its large size.

Also a rocket is too heavy and large to be accelerated simply by a large impact force as in the case of a bullet.

8.

If you were the one setting up this questionnaire, what question you would have certainly asked? Specify with answer. (Only one question is sufficient) Questions that require thorough exploration of the project will be given priority by me. E.g. the structural considerations of the rocket and stress distributions on various components of rockets and control of the attitude of rockets.