Aerostructures
“I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies, but not the madness of people.“
Isaac Newton
The Aerostructures team within the THRUST student project is dedicated to designing the rocket’s mechanical framework, ensuring optimal strength, durability, and weight efficiency. This specialized group of engineers focuses on crafting the essential structural components that will withstand the extreme conditions of launch and flight. They use cutting-edge software to model various elements of the rocket, from the fuselage to the fin assemblies, ensuring all parts are designed to precise specifications for maximum performance. Their work is pivotal to maintaining the rocket’s integrity during intense aerodynamic forces.
Once the design phase is complete, the Aerostructures team creates highly detailed technical drawings that serve as blueprints for the production of each component. These drawings must be meticulously crafted, providing exact measurements, tolerances, and material specifications to ensure the manufacturing process proceeds without error. The team works closely with other departments to ensure that all designed assemblies align perfectly with the rest of the rocket’s systems, combining functionality with manufacturability.
In addition to the design and technical documentation, the Aerostructures members are actively involved in overseeing the production of key materials, such as carbon fiber and glass fiber skins, which form the outer layers of the rocket. This hands-on role in the manufacturing process is critical, as these lightweight yet durable materials must be laid and cured with exact precision to meet the demanding structural requirements. The team collaborates closely with production staff to ensure that each stage, from material selection to final fabrication, adheres to the highest standards of quality and performance.