Rocket Static Fire Stand
Project 002 — 2025
Full-stack propulsion testing: From welded stainless frame to wireless telemetry
Problem Statement
Validating solid rocket motor performance requires a secured ground test platform capable of isolating thrust data from structural vibration while maintaining operator safety distance.
Solution
Designed a welded Stainless Steel 304 frame optimized for stiffness using FEA. Developed a custom wireless DAQ system (Arduino/NRF24L01) to stream real-time thrust curves to a Python dashboard from 100m safety range.
Key Metrics
Technical Highlights
- —Generated weldment drawings and cut-lists for fabrication communication
- —Finite Element Analysis (FEA) validating frame rigidity (<0.15mm deflection)
- —Custom Python script for real-time serial plotting and CSV logging
- —Integrated MCXK-E Load Cell with HX711 amplification circuit
Impact & Results
Other Projects
Rocket Static Fire Stand
Project 002 — 2025
FIG 00: Test stand render showing motor mounting rails
FIG 01: Exploded view of frame and sensor stack
FIG 02: Fabrication drawing for welder communication
FIG 03: Physical assembly with blue solid motor installed
FIG 04: Von Mises Stress analysis showing safe load distribution (Max 67.6 MPa)
FIG 05: Displacement analysis validating sensor isolation behavior
Before / After Comparison
CAD Design Concept
Fabricated Assembly