Low-altitude rocket stability under various fin cant angles and cross wind speeds / Zuraidah Salleh ... [et al.]

Salleh, Zuraidah and Mohd Asy’ari, Umi Alya Farhani and Abdul Hamid, Ahmad Hussein and Muhammad, Mohamad Amirul and Abdul Ghaffar, Zulkifli (2025) Low-altitude rocket stability under various fin cant angles and cross wind speeds / Zuraidah Salleh ... [et al.]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering (JMechE), 22 (2): 7. pp. 83-95. ISSN e-ISSN: 2550-164X

Abstract

This paper undertakes a comprehensive aerodynamic analysis of lowaltitude rockets. The stability of rockets launched from low-latitude regions presents unique challenges, such as the presence of trade winds and localised turbulence, which may potentially lead to deviations from the intended flight path and an increased risk of structural failure. The study focuses on the R3KM rocket and investigates two distinct configurations: a three-fin rocket canted at 0°, 2.5°, and 5°, as well as a four-fin rocket canted at the same angles. To assess the rocket's stability during flight, numerous simulations have been conducted across a variety of wind velocities. Concurrently, the dynamic stability analysis focuses on the rocket's ability to respond effectively to external disturbances such as crosswind. Significant emphasis is placed on refining the fin design to optimise both aerodynamic efficiency and stability. The use of OpenRocket software allows for simulations, guiding the iterative process of improving the rocket's aerodynamic configuration. The findings from this study indicate that canted fins enhance the rocket's stability as wind speeds increase. The three-fin R3KM configuration attains greater apogees at about 5%, however, the four-fin version exhibits enhanced aerodynamic stability at elevated wind speeds (i.e., 2 m/s to 4 m/s higher critical wind speed), depending upon the cant angle. These results suggest that while the three-fin design may reach greater heights, the four-fin design provides better stability in challenging wind conditions. This study's findings are anticipated to enhance the efficiency and reliability of rockets, thereby advancing the field of rocket aerodynamics.

Metadata

Item Type: Article
Creators:
Creators
Email / ID Num.
Salleh, Zuraidah
UNSPECIFIED
Mohd Asy’ari, Umi Alya Farhani
UNSPECIFIED
Abdul Hamid, Ahmad Hussein
hussein@uitm.edu.my
Muhammad, Mohamad Amirul
UNSPECIFIED
Abdul Ghaffar, Zulkifli
UNSPECIFIED
Subjects: T Technology > TL Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics > Rocket propulsion. Rockets
Divisions: Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam > College of Engineering
Journal or Publication Title: Journal of Mechanical Engineering (JMechE)
UiTM Journal Collections: UiTM Journals > Journal of Mechanical Engineering (JMechE)
ISSN: e-ISSN: 2550-164X
Volume: 22
Number: 2
Page Range: pp. 83-95
Keywords: Canted fin, apogee, crosswind, spin stabilization, tumbling
Date: May 2025
URI: https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/116648
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