Our simulations team is a crucial part of the design processes of our rockets. We conduct an analysis of design ideas from other sub-teams with flight trajectory simulation and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and optimise given designs. 

Flight trajectory models are formed both with existing software, such as OpenRocket and ASTOS, as well as in-house MATLAB scripts. Avionics data from test flights is used to source parameters for these scripts, such as the drag coefficient. We research advance methods and complicated dynamical systems for supersonic flight.   

In the past year, the team has focused our efforts on rocket design from the ground up, implementing what we have learnt from our launches and what we have learnt from targeted testing. Our newest designs have been led by our holistic approach, taking extra care to verify simulation methods and philosophy concurrent with our main design. This includes our investigation of trajectory analysis verification in aspects such as apogee and stability, along with their relation to factors such as wind speeds and mass distribution. Additionally, we have been focused on working with the team at large to make aspects of manufacturing, ergonomics, and recovery to be as smooth as possible.  

The team is aiming to conduct rigorous simulation and verification of simulation methods going into the following year. Investigations into fin design and transonic flight are things the team is excited to approach, as we venture into the possibilities of our future designs. As design and manufacturing continue, we aim to further understand the relationship between these by getting involved with hands–on testing of parts in the form of small-scale models of our designs.