Structural Development, Analysis, and Testing of a Full Scale Jet Vane Thrust Vector Control Rocket for Active Stabilization

Jet vane thrust vector control (JVTVC) is a method of active stabilization by actuating control surfaces placed in the exhaust to manipulate the rocket’s attitude. This paper describes the work of the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) team at Georgia Institute of Technology’s Ramblin’ Rocket Club in the development and analyses of the structural subsystems for an actively stabilized solid-propellant rocket using JVTVC. The development of this rocket was split up into two phases: design and testing. During the design phase, the rocket was sectioned into an upper, transition, and lower section. Each subsystem was designed for manufacturability, structural integrity, modularity, and ease of integration. Various analysis techniques were used to ensure mission success, including FEA analysis on transition and jet vane assemblies , hand calculations for snatch loads acting on recovery bulkheads, and fin flutter analysis to characterize carbon-fiber layup requirements. During the testing phase, three static fires were completed to assess the feasibility of jet vanes, with a final static fire scheduled for a future test. Additionally, parachute deployment was tested to simulate recovery procedures, and jet vane control mechanisms were integrated with software to analyze control inputs during flight. The development of the JVTVC rocket showcases the complete engineering lifecycle, from design and analysis to testing and iteration, resulting in a modular and reliable system for active stabilization. This project validates the feasibility of jet vane control and recovery procedures, contributing to advancements in thrust vector control technologies for amateur rocketry.