IREC Rocket Payload: Parachute Deployment and Landing System Jairus Phillips, Jace Leensvaart, Armondo Nungaray Project Mentor(s): Charles Pringle, PE; Jeunghwan “John” Choi, PhD The objective of this project was to design, fabricate, and evaluate a compact payload recovery system capable of reliable parachute deployment and impact energy absorption within the 3 × 3 × 12-inch volume constraint for the Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC). Conventional passive parachute systems often resulted in delayed deployment and excessive landing forces, increasing risk of payload damage. This work was conducted as part of the Central Washington University Rocketry payload team to improve payload recovery reliability and reusability. The system utilized a spring- driven pusher sled mechanism actuated by a servo-controlled lever to forcibly eject the parachute and ensure rapid canopy inflation, while a four-leg landing-gear assembly incorporating spring-based shock absorbers dissipated impact energy during touchdown. Structural components were fabricated using a hybrid approach combining machined aluminum for load-bearing elements and additive manufacturing for housing components, and engineering analyses including spring energy modeling, parachute sizing, impact energy calculations, and hinge-pin shear verification were conducted to validate performance and ensure compliance with design requirements. Results demonstrated that the deployment mechanism achieved full actuation within 0.06–0.13 seconds, producing an ejection velocity of 2.77 m/s and acceleration of 4.6 g, while parachute resizing reduced descent velocity to 4–5 m/s, significantly lowering landing impact forces. The system absorbed approximately 40 J of impact energy during touchdown, with individual landing legs sustaining loads between 800 and 1250 N while maintaining safety factors exceeding 1.5. These results confirmed that the system met all design requirements and provided a reliable payload recovery solution. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords : parachute deployment, payload recovery, landing gear, shock absorption, IREC SOURCE Form ID: 33 The objective of this project was to design and evaluate a Baja RC vehicle capable of reliable performance under off-road conditions. The engineering problem focused on ensuring durability, traction, and efficient power transfer from the motor to the wheels. Key challenges included minimizing mechanical losses, maintaining stability, and preventing component failure under load. The goal was to create a chassis and drivetrain system that could withstand realistic Baja-style conditions while maintaining consistent performance. The method used was designing and building a custom RC Baja car with a chassis, drivetrain, suspension, and steering system. After the assembly, three main tests were performed to evaluate performance. These included an acceleration test over a 70 ft distance, a top speed test, and a slope test to see if the car could climb a 30-degree incline. The car was observed during testing to check how components performed and if any failure occurred. Data was collected using timing, distance measurements, and visual observations. The results showed that the RC Baja vehicle reached a top speed of about 28 mph and completed the 70 ft acceleration test in 4.6 seconds. The vehicle successfully climbed a 30-degree slope without stalling or losing traction, showing strong durability and torque. The drivetrain maintained about 85% efficiency, with consistent power delivery and minimal loss under load. Overall, the car performed well and met the main project goals and requirements. Alloy AMX Drivetrain & Chassis Adrian Quintana Silva, Mitchel Newquist Project Mentor(s): Jeunghwan “John” Choi, PhD; Charles Pringle, PE
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords : RC Baja, Off-Road, Testing, Drivetrain, Durability SOURCE Form ID: 28
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