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Come to our FIRST general body meeting on September 8th in Driftmier 1240 at 6:00 PM!
Structures
Structures is responsible for all of the mechanical components of the rocket outside of propulsion. We own the rocket’s airframe, fins, recovery systems, avionics bay, experimental payload, as well as active control mechanisms like airbrakes and canards.
What We Design
Launch Vehicle:
Everything needed for the rocket to go up and land safely. Includes the rocket's airframe, fins, and recovery systems.
Airbrakes:
System that controls the rocket’s maximum altitude by increasing/decreasing drag.
Canards:
System that aids in roll-control (stop rocket from spinning) by adjusting some small fins.
Payload:
Onboard experiment that will measure the rocket’s roll, pitch, and yaw with a mechanical gyroscope.
Each sub-component had to be evaluated within the context of the complete vehicle. Changes to airframe length, component placement, fin geometry, or internal packaging could affect structural loads, stability, mass distribution, aerodynamic performance, and available volume for other subsystems.
What's the Big Deal?
If the structures are not working correctly, the rocket could RUD (rapid unscheduled disassembly, aka blow up).
Software, Skills, & Interests Incorporated
Engineering Tools and Software:
Software: OnShape (CAD), Ansys Fluent (CFD), Ansys Workbench, Python
Manufacturing: Waterjet, CNC mill, 3D printer, hand tools.
What technical skills can students expect to develop in structures?
CAD, structural analysis, ANSYS simulations, manufacturing, engineering problem-solving skills.
In-Depth View of Structures
Typical materials being used:
Mainly G10 and aluminum. Strength, density, manufacturability and cost are the main factors that we look at when selecting materials. We perform structural analysis to ensure that the material selection can withstand the expected launch loads.
How do we interact with other subsystem teams?
Structures works very closely with all of the teams. We are in constant communication with propulsion in terms of motor sizing requirements and mounting. All of our active control mechanisms need the embedded team to design the avionics to control them. We give the simulations team the geometry we want to analyze, and they perform the aerodynamic simulations.
What structural analyses are performed?
Static Structural analysis
Thermal analysis
Buckling
Fin flutter
Vibration
What manufacturing processes does the team use?
CNC machining
Waterjetting
3D printing
Epoxy Bonding
Sanding
Do my interests align with structures?
We mainly look for driven people who have played an important role in a technical project. We are not necessarily looking for specific aerospace experience, but appreciate prior exposure in a design team, manufacturing, and any sort of analysis.
Most of the team is comprised of Mechanical Engineering majors. The most applicable courses are CAD, Statics, Strength of Materials, and Machine Design. Interest in manufacturing is also important, since fabrication is a huge part of structures.
We'd love to hear if you're interested. Email AIAA@UGA.edu with any inquiries.
2026 - 2027 Structures Leads
Juan Alizo
Daniel Cuervo
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