GNC
Guidance, Navigation, and Control
The Guidance, Navigation, and Control Subteam applies control theory and estimation techniques to develop systems for a variety of Rocket Team projects. GNC also helps to build and implement the mechanical systems and software that they develop. Founded in 2019, GNC is the youngest subteam, and will choose new and exciting projects each year.
The Guidance, Navigation, and Control Subteam applies control theory and estimation techniques to develop systems for a variety of Rocket Team projects. GNC also helps to build and implement the mechanical systems and software that they develop. Founded in 2019, GNC is the youngest subteam, and will choose new and exciting projects each year.
Current Projects
Current Projects
There are several exciting projects under development for the 2023-24 academic year! We will expand our six-degree-of-freedom dynamic model and simulation architecture to include descent under parachute with atmospheric effects, and run the CFD simulations needed to characterize our rockets' performance and aerodynamic characteristics. Our Extended Kalman Filter from last year will be reworked to better suit this year's SA Cup and High Altitude projects, and we will also be working to develop an active apogee control system for use in the team's rockets.
There are several exciting projects under development for the 2023-24 academic year! We will expand our six-degree-of-freedom dynamic model and simulation architecture to include descent under parachute with atmospheric effects, and run the CFD simulations needed to characterize our rockets' performance and aerodynamic characteristics. Our Extended Kalman Filter from last year will be reworked to better suit this year's SA Cup and High Altitude projects, and we will also be working to develop an active apogee control system for use in the team's rockets.
Trajectory Sim
Trajectory Sim
Simulate the flight of a high-powered rocket from start to finish, including powered and unpowered ascent, as well as descent under parachute.
Simulate the flight of a high-powered rocket from start to finish, including powered and unpowered ascent, as well as descent under parachute.
State Estimation
State Estimation
Improve estimates of the rocket's position, velocity, and orientation using an Extended Kalman Filter. State estimation is crucial for control and will aid in the recovery of our rockets.
Improve estimates of the rocket's position, velocity, and orientation using an Extended Kalman Filter. State estimation is crucial for control and will aid in the recovery of our rockets.
Fluid Simulations
Fluid Simulations
Use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to determine aerodynamic characteristics and behavior of our rockets as they travel through the atmosphere.
Use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to determine aerodynamic characteristics and behavior of our rockets as they travel through the atmosphere.
Skills You Will Learn
Skills You Will Learn
Control Theory
Control Theory
The GNC team develops much of the software used in its projects. This includes developing models and programs for active control using MATLAB.
The GNC team develops much of the software used in its projects. This includes developing models and programs for active control using MATLAB.
Estimation/Filtering
Estimation/Filtering
It is necessary to use numerical algorithms and filtering techniques (Kalman, complimentary, etc.) to carry out our goals for state estimation and control.
It is necessary to use numerical algorithms and filtering techniques (Kalman, complimentary, etc.) to carry out our goals for state estimation and control.
Dynamics/Physics
Dynamics/Physics
It is crucial to understand the dynamic behavior of the rocket to predict and estimate its states while in motion. The GNC team is responsible for building up a dynamic model from all of the forces and moments acting on the rocket.
It is crucial to understand the dynamic behavior of the rocket to predict and estimate its states while in motion. The GNC team is responsible for building up a dynamic model from all of the forces and moments acting on the rocket.
Programming
Programming
The dynamic model forms the basis of a trajectory sim which the GNC team develops in MATLAB, presenting unique programmatic challenges throughout the sim's entire architecture.
The dynamic model forms the basis of a trajectory sim which the GNC team develops in MATLAB, presenting unique programmatic challenges throughout the sim's entire architecture.
Who Can Join?
Who Can Join?
Anyone is welcome to join GNC! We have traditionally been a popular destination for students interested in physics, programming, and aerospace systems theory.
Anyone is welcome to join GNC! We have traditionally been a popular destination for students interested in physics, programming, and aerospace systems theory.
GNC Lead: Henry Mahnke (mahnk040@umn.edu)
GNC Lead: Henry Mahnke (mahnk040@umn.edu)
Would you like to attend a meeting? Check out the team calendar to find out when the next one is!
Would you like to attend a meeting? Check out the team calendar to find out when the next one is!