UC Irvine · Launch Vehicle Team

UCI Liquid Rocket

From understanding airflow to making parts and helping put the rocket together.

As part of UCI's Launch Vehicle team, I contributed flight CFD simulations, component models in Siemens NX, and practical manufacturing work. My work connected simulation data with team decisions and time in the workshop.

Link

The Launch Vehicle team with rocket components on the campus steps — Our Launch Vehicle team on campus.

01 · Simulation

CFD for team decisions

I simulated airflow around the rocket during flight and used the results to help the team make engineering decisions. A simplified rocket model let me study the external flow and inspect how details such as the pipe and camera affected the surrounding airflow.

A rendering of my simplified rocket geometry for CFD, including the external pipe and camera — My simplified rocket model for CFD, rendered from the STEP geometry.Download STEP

Looking at the flow

These views come from my CFD results. The overall flow and local views helped me examine the airflow around the vehicle and its external components.

Velocity pathlines around the simplified rocket in the Mach 0.7 CFD case, with the original color scale — Velocity pathlines around the rocket in the Mach 0.7 case.

Velocity pathlines around the camera in the Mach 0.7 CFD case, with the original color scale — A closer look at the camera region in the same Mach 0.7 case.

Flight dynamics in Ansys Fluent

I used Ansys Fluent's Dynamic Mesh model to study the rocket's motion, with a custom UDF based on our rocket's center of gravity. I also estimated fuel depletion to account for the changing mass during flight.

Ansys Fluent motion demonstration through step 2600, showing mesh, pressure, and forces. Visual transitions connect the saved simulation states.

02 · Modeling

CAD support

I helped other subteams model components, including the AV bay in Siemens NX and an enclosure for the Engine Control Unit (ECU).

My AV bay assembly in Siemens NX, with circular mounting plates and the internal structural frame — AV bay assembly in Siemens NX.

ECU enclosure with internal electronics, cables routed through the side openings, and a separate lid — ECU enclosure, visualized from my early draft in SolidWorks.

03 · Manufacturing

Working on the hardware

I also contributed practical manufacturing work: carbon fiber layup, 3D printing, and manual assembly. Alongside the modeling and simulation, I helped with the physical work of making parts and putting hardware together.

The Launch Vehicle team standing together beside the tower at FAR — The Launch Vehicle team at FAR.

With the team

Days at FAR

A few moments from the field and time spent together as a team.

The sun setting over the desert and tower at FAR — Sunset at FAR.

A collection of instant photos from team gatherings and time at FAR — Small moments with the team.