Water Bottle Rocket Project
This project is your chance to turn theory into action, using your skills to craft and launch a rocket that soars high into the sky.
Our First Year Mechanical Engineering students were challenged to work in small groups to create a water bottle rocket. The project involved understanding the engineering science behind the rocket flight, recognising the requirements for the rocket and relevant engineering assumptions, and then designing an aerodynamic rocket and manufacturing it using workshop facilities in the Diamond.
The successful completion of this project relied heavily on effective teamwork, the support for which was provided through specially-designed teamwork workshops. Students were also expected to effectively manage the project, including their time and resources, to keep the project on-track.
Our whole Mechanical Engineering Community celebrated the students’ achievements on Launch Day, when 50 groups assembled at our Goodwin Sports Centre to launch their creations. With maximum launch speeds in excess of 100mph, the rockets had to carry 3 different payloads - representing emergency medical supplies - travel a distance of 70m and hit a specific target spot. The winning team achieved 100% success in all 3 of their rocket launches.