The Shuriken is a controlled airbrake mechanism for the Matterhorn Rocket. It plays a core role in the strategy to reach the precise altitude of 3’000m despite the uncertainties of the engine’s total impulse. Indeed, the idea was to select a motor ensuring an overshoot of the targeted height and to actively use the airbrakes during the flight to slow the rocket and reach our goal. In addition to basic size and mass requirements, some interesting design constrains were given such as letting the possibility for electrical wire pass through the device or ensuring a mechanical synchronisation of all flaps. The system was fully manufactured in-house, including the coupling system and aluminium gears.
Collaboration and Timeline
- with: EPFL Rocket Team
- date: 2018
- duration 1 year
Technical skills:
- Mechanical design
- CFD
- Drag simulation
- Windtunnel testing
- Carbon fiber manufacturing
- Integration
