Gimbal Research and Development

In the tech report T.OS002, 01.11, achievements of active thrust gimbals are presented. Two approaches for a thrust-vector-control of 18mm solid fuel rocket engines are submitted by the team around Oleg Boltonov. The project is now in execution phase, feasibility studies will be finished latest end of Feb. 2018, practical test expected NET March 2018.

Meanwhile it has been proven more than once that under high pressure rates Oxidan can propel a rocket to fairly high altitudes [1]. High lift-off speeds and guiding wings (fins) are needed to stabilize and guide the rocket to reach high skies. On-board cameras can provide brilliant images and information about the rocket's trajectory. Today's systems for measuring altitude are not only used for apogee detection. Continuous sampling and storing of pressure and temperature data enables detailed after-launch analysis of the rocket's acceleration and velocity vectors (e.g. [2]).

The project OS004 concentrates more on the observer on the ground. As mentioned above, the rockets launch at rates (about 20g and more) no human eye can follow in real time. A side glance to solid-fuel rocket science indicates almost the same ideas and some first results for a slow-down of lift-off. All together have to deal with the same problem: a rocket-shaped object that is slowly accelerated vertically will tilt significantly soon after lift-off, regardless of fins attached and the exact position of CG. A sufficient velocity has to be achieved for a aerodynamic stability [3]. The use of active stabilization [4][5][6] should enable lift-off at low speeds, also for Oxidan-propelled rockets.

The main target of project OS004 is to develop an Oxidan-powered rocket that lifts off at a velocity of 1 meter per second and reaches a height of 10 meters maximum. To reach higher altitudes, the use of a multi-stage system will be recommended. Suggestions to the technical implementation and design will be published in the Oxidan Design Notes Nr.1/Vol1 expected April 2017 under the reference number P.OS004.

References:
[1].....The Water Rocket Achievement World Record Association
[2]....."How to Measure Altitude", Air Command Rockets
[3].....Alex Stoll, "Why don't rockets flip over?", 2010
[4].....JoeLang, "Kreisel Stabilisierte Rakete mit Schubvektorsteuerung", Youtube 2015
[5].....Coolnventions, "Arduino Rocket Guidance", Instructables, 2015
[6].....Wyatt David, "An Actively Stabilised Model Rocket", Technical Report, 2006/2007