**E178: Lab 4 Preliminary Assembly Level 2** |[home](../index.md.html)|[syllabus](../syllabus.md.html)|[assignments](../assignments.md.html)|[labs](../labs.md.html)|[final project](../finalproject.md.html)|[flight data](../FlightData.md.html)|[getting certified](../RocketryCertification.md.html)| !!! Warning This page has been mostly, but not yet fully updated for 2023. Check back later. # The LOC Precision Vulcanite Kit The purposes of this lab are threefold: 1. To give you additional practice in high-power rocket construction techniques. 2. To provide you a rocket for certifying Level 2 if you have not already done so. 3. To give me an opportunity to assess your assembly techniques. The LOC Precision Vulcanite is a rocket that will stand up to the rigors of a Level 2 certification flight but you don't want to push it much beyond Mach 1. We will use BSI 30-minute epoxy or Aeropoxy for most of the steps for strength, but you may use BSI 5-minute epoxy in a few steps to save curing time. Some more details, including the list of supplies is on the [Flight Hardware](../FlightHardware.md.html) page. Detailed assembly instructions are at [Vulcanite Dual Deployment Assembly Instructions](../VulcaniteDDRocketAssembly.md.html). General modifications to Vulcanite construction for a Level 2 flight are outlined in [this location](../RocketryCertification.md.html#constructionhints/locprecisionvulcanite). These recommendations have already been incorporated in the assmbly instructions. The manufacturer's instructions, which should _not_ be followed, are available for in the model. # Basic Kit Measurements !!! Note Measuring everything and creating the Rocksim or OR model is good practice, but since you've done it already for your Level 1 rocket, you don't need to do it again for the Level 2. Skip this step if you desire. One should always start any new rocket development by measuring the dimensions and masses of the components of the kit and creating an Open Rocket, Rocksim, or RASAero model to explore stability and motor choices. If you want practice, fill in the following table for the components in your rocket kit and add the components that are not on the list. 1. Nose Cone - Tip-to-shoulder length: - Shoulder-to-base length: - O.D.: - Shoulder O.D.: - Mass: 2. Payload (Forward Body) Tube - Length: - O.D.: - I.D.: - Wall Thickness: - Mass: 3. Coupler Tube - Length: - O.D.: - I.D.: - Wall Thickness: - Mass: 4. Bulkhead (Bulkplate) - Thickness: - O.D.: - I.D.: - Mass: 5. Eyebolt, Washer, and Nut - Mass: 6. Main (Aft) Body Tube - Length: - O.D.: - I.D.: - Wall Thickness: - Mass: 7. Motor Mount Tube - Length: - O.D.: - I.D.: - Wall Thickness: - Mass: 8. Fore (Forward) Centering Ring - Thickness: - O.D.: - I.D.: - Mass: 9. Aft Centering Ring - Thickness: - O.D.: - I.D.: - Mass: 10. Motor Retainer Body (The Inside Part) - Thickness/length: - O.D.: - I.D.: - Depth of motor-mount recess - Mass: 11. Motor Retainer Cap (The Outside Part) - Thickness/length: - O.D.: - I.D.: - Mass: 12. Fins - Root chord length: - Tip chord length: - Sweep length: - Sweep angle: - Semi span: - Mass: 13. Parachute - Diameter: - Shroud line length: - Mass: 14. Chute Protector - Mass: 15. Shock Cords - Combined Length: - Mass: 15. Launch Lugs - I.D.: - Mass: # Assemble the Motor-Tube - Centering-Rings - Shock-Cord Assembly. Assemble the Motor-Tube - Centering-Rings - Shock-Cord Assembly using Aeropoxy and following the relevant steps in the [Motor Mount Assembly Instructions](../VulcaniteDDRocketAssembly.md.html#motormountassembly). Label your assembly with your name in pencil where it is cleary visible. The assembly will be assessed according to the following rubric: Score | Description ------|------------ 5 | Marking lines at the correct position. Components in the correct places and square. Epoxy joints neat and reasonably smooth. All joints mechanically sound. 4 | Marking lines close to the correct position. Components more-or-less in the correct places and more-or-less square. Epoxy joints not too messy. Most joints mechanically sound. 3 | Some marking lines in the wrong position. Some components in the wrong place and/or noticeably tilted. Epoxy joints moderately sloppy possibly with gaps. Some joints mechanically sound. 2 | Most marking lines in the wrong position. Most components in the wrong place and/or noticeably tilted. Epoxy joints sloppy possibly with gaps, some epoxy drips. Few joints mechanically sound. 1 | Marking lines in the wrong position or missing. Serious questions about component placement. Epoxy joints really poor, possibly with gaps, frequent epoxy drips. Serious questions about mechanical integrity. # Assemble the Nose Cone/GPS Bay Section The Nose Cone/GPS Bay Section can be assembled independently from the rest of the rocket. For this section, assemble the Nose Cone/GPS Bay Section using BSI 30-minute epoxy or Aeropoxy, and following the relevant steps in the [Forward Section Assembly Instructions](../VulcaniteDDRocketAssembly.md.html#nosecone/gpssection). Label your Nose Cone/GPS Bay Section with your name in pencil where it is cleary visible. As part of the process, laser cut and assemble the GPS Support and make sure it fits. Instructions for laser cutting are at [this link.]() The assembly will be assessed according to the following rubric: Score | Description ------|------------ 5 | Threaded holes and altimeter holes in the correct position. Components in the correct places and square. Epoxy joints neat and reasonably smooth. All joints mechanically sound. 4 | Threaded holes and altimeter holes close to the correct position. Components more-or-less in the correct places and more-or-less square. Epoxy joints not too messy. Most joints mechanically sound. 3 | Some threaded holes and/or altimeter holes in the wrong position. Some components in the wrong place and/or noticeably tilted. Epoxy joints moderately sloppy possibly with gaps. Some joints mechanically sound. 2 | Most threaded holes and/or altimeter holes in the wrong position. Most components in the wrong place and/or noticeably tilted. Epoxy joints sloppy possibly with gaps, some epoxy drips. Few joints mechanically sound. 1 | Threaded holes and/or altimeter holes lines in the wrong position or missing. Serious questions about component placement. Epoxy joints really poor, possibly with gaps, frequent epoxy drips. Serious questions about mechanical integrity. # Assemble the Avionics Bay/Forward Body Tube Section The Avionics Bay/Forward Body Tube Section can be assembled independently from the rest of the rocket. For this section, assemble the Avionics Bay using BSI 30-minute epoxy or Aeropoxy, and white glue along with the relevant hardware. following the relevant steps in the [Avionics Bay Assembly Instructions](../file:/VulcaniteDDRocketAssembly.md.html#avionicsbay). Label your Nose Cone/GPS Bay Section with your name in pencil where it is cleary visible. Take sufficient photos of your completed assemblies so that I can clearly assess the quality of the construction. You will need to laser cut the plywood parts for the Avionics Bay. Instructions for laser cutting are at [this link.]() The assembly will be assessed according to the following rubric: Score | Description ------|------------ 5 | Threaded holes and altimeter holes in the correct position. Components in the correct places and square. Epoxy joints neat and reasonably smooth. All joints mechanically sound. 4 | Threaded holes and altimeter holes close to the correct position. Components more-or-less in the correct places and more-or-less square. Epoxy joints not too messy. Most joints mechanically sound. 3 | Some threaded holes and/or altimeter holes in the wrong position. Some components in the wrong place and/or noticeably tilted. Epoxy joints moderately sloppy possibly with gaps. Some joints mechanically sound. 2 | Most threaded holes and/or altimeter holes in the wrong position. Most components in the wrong place and/or noticeably tilted. Epoxy joints sloppy possibly with gaps, some epoxy drips. Few joints mechanically sound. 1 | Threaded holes and/or altimeter holes lines in the wrong position or missing. Serious questions about component placement. Epoxy joints really poor, possibly with gaps, frequent epoxy drips. Serious questions about mechanical integrity. # What to Turn In If completed, turn in your measurements table. Bring your Motor Mount Assembly, your Nose Cone/GPS Bay Assembly, and your Avionics Bay Forward Body Tube Assembly to class. Prof. Spjut will grade the assemblies quickly so you can start the final assembly.