Supersonic Rocket by University Students: In an impressive feat, a team of students from the University of Sheffield has broken several UK and European altitude records with their supersonic rocket, "Desert Winds." This groundbreaking achievement marks the first time a UK student team has successfully launched a liquid-fuelled rocket.
Breaking Barriers with Desert Winds
Desert Winds, designed and constructed by the University of Sheffield's Project Sunride team, achieved a remarkable altitude of 26,879 feet. This altitude is the highest reached by any UK group, including aerospace companies, using a liquid-fueled rocket since the 1970s. Additionally, the rocket set a new European record for student-built liquid-fueled rockets, surpassing the previous record held by Danish students at 21,274 feet.
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A Rapid Journey from Concept to Launch
The journey from concept to launch was completed in less than six months, a testament to the dedication and skill of the Sheffield students. The rocket was launched from the Mojave Desert in California, where it reached supersonic speeds, showcasing the potential of liquid-fueled propulsion systems typically used by NASA and SpaceX.
Engineering Excellence at the University of Sheffield
Project Sunride is part of the University of Sheffield’s Engineering Student-Led Projects, an extracurricular program designed to provide STEM students with hands-on experience in engineering. The program aims to prepare students for future careers by allowing them to work on real-world engineering challenges.
Tom Danvers, Director of Project Sunride, Reflects on the Journey
Tom Danvers, an aerospace engineering student and Director of Project Sunride, expressed his pride in the team's accomplishments. "Designing, building, and launching a liquid rocket in six months initially seemed like a crazy idea," Danvers admitted. "We knew it was something we wanted to achieve as a team, but at first, we thought it might take us until 2025 or 2026."
However, the team's determination and hard work paid off. "The successful testing of the engine back in March gave everyone a major confidence boost and motivation to push forward. When further testing, the cold flow test, worked in May, the team was overjoyed," Danvers added. Despite encountering several last-minute issues during their trip to the US, the team managed to overcome these challenges and achieve their goal.
Innovative Engineering with Sunfire III
The students designed and built their rocket engine, Sunfire III, over the past academic year. The engine, which was 3D printed out of aluminium, produced almost half a ton of thrust during its testing in March. Notably, the engine is regeneratively cooled, a technique where the fuel cools the combustion chamber before burning, thereby increasing efficiency and saving weight.
Fintan Cluskey, Co-Director of Project Sunride, on the Team's Achievement
Fintan Cluskey, Co-Director of Project Sunride and an aerospace student, shared his excitement about the team's progress. "It’s been incredible to see how far we’ve come as a team to launch this rocket," Cluskey said. "From not knowing anything about liquid propulsion last summer to designing and hot firing a liquid rocket engine by March and then launching six months later has been an amazing experience."
Cluskey emphasized the emotional impact of the launch. "The feeling of flipping the switches to open the valves to start the propellant flow and seeing all our hard work pay off when the rocket lit and accelerated off the launch rail will be hard to top," he noted. "All the hard work of the team went into that moment of lift-off, and the team has absolutely smashed any expectations we had for this year and truly gone above and beyond."
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Aiming for the Stars
Project Sunride's ambitions continue. The team aims to be the first UK student group to launch a rocket into space, targeting the Kármán line, which is 62 miles above the ground. With their recent success, the team's confidence and motivation have been significantly bolstered.
Looking Forward
The success of Desert Winds is a testament to the talent and dedication of the University of Sheffield's engineering students. Their innovative approach and ability to overcome challenges demonstrate the potential of student-led projects to advance engineering knowledge and capabilities.
As Project Sunride continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, they serve as an inspiration to other students and aspiring engineers. The team's achievements highlight the importance of practical experience in education and the incredible outcomes that can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and determination.
Conclusion
The University of Sheffield's Project Sunride team has made history with their record-breaking rocket, Desert Winds. Their achievement underscores the importance of hands-on engineering experience and serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of engineers. As they set their sights on reaching the Kármán line and beyond, the sky is truly the limit for these talented students. Keep up with the exciting international education events at Education Post News.
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