Wind Turbine Rocket - Polygence Project: 2021

In the summer of 2021, I partnered with Polygence to do a research project with the assistance of a mentor working in the aerospace engineering field. My amazing mentor, Nina Arcot, and I came up with the idea to analyze wind turbines and how they can be utilized in aerospace technology. I also blended this concept with my simultaneous work at the Boston Leadership Institute and extended my project to thinking about how wind turbines can be utilized on Mars. I did loads of research on wind turbines, and how to create and test an experimental design. I decided to do an experiment involving a model rocket, two turbines, an altitude sensor, and a lot of duct tape (see paper below).

I learned a lot through this project. I learned how to independently bring a scientific question into a full-fledged research paper and experiment, how to create a design review, how to problem solve engineering dilemmas, how to better use C++ and Arduinos, and how to make the best of a failed experiment (my internal computers melted during flight, destroying my data). I also learned a lot about model rocketry, different motors and methods of construction, and launch troubleshooting. Nina also encouraged me to make this website to showcase my paper and other engineering adventures over the years. Below is my scientific paper of the experiment and research, videos from the launches, and my design review.