Brief Overview 

The Aerodynamics team is responsible for designing and analysing the aerodynamic performance of the entire rocket, including the fins, nose cone, boat tail and overall rocket geometry. The aim is to achieve the required stability while minimising aerodynamic drag. 

The team also determines the aerodynamic loads experienced by the rocket during flight and provides these to the Structures team, allowing them to design components rated for the expected flight conditions. The Aerodynamics team works closely with other sub teams, with the analysis directly informing the final rocket design. 

As a member of the team, you will apply fluid mechanics and aerodynamics to a real rocket and have the opportunity to investigate and develop your own design ideas. 

What to Expect 

Much of the team’s work involves CFD, using ANSYS Fluent to analyse the rocket at different flight conditions. Typical tasks include: 

• Creating and modifying rocket geometries in Autodesk Inventor Professional; 

• Generating and refining computational meshes; 

• Setting up and running CFD simulations; 

• Analysing simulation data and extracting aerodynamic coefficients; 

• Investigating aerodynamic performance at different Mach numbers and angles of attack; 

• Calculating aerodynamic loads and providing these to the Structures team; 

• Evaluating aeroelastic effects such as flutter; 

• Comparing design iterations and identifying opportunities to improve performance. 

There is no fixed number of hours expected each week, and work will be planned around university deadlines where possible. However, members are expected to remain engaged, make consistent progress and communicate when they are unavailable.  

What We’re Looking For 

Previous CFD experience is not required — training will be provided on ANSYS Fluent. A good understanding of fundamental aerodynamics and fluid mechanics is important. 

We are particularly looking for people who are: 

• Willing to learn and develop their technical skills; 

• Proactive and willing to take ownership of their work; 

• Reliable and communicative when working as part of a team; 

• Interested in applying engineering theory to a real vehicle; 

• Willing to commit to work during the summer period, particularly during setup for testing campaigns. 

Applications are welcome from students of all years.  

Relevant Skills 

Required: 

• CAD experience, preferably Autodesk Inventor Professional. 

• Understanding of fundamental aerodynamics and fluid mechanics. 

Beneficial but not necessary:  

• CFD / ANSYS Fluent.