What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to validate the aero-structural performance of a 3D-printed and composite-reinforced rocket nose cone during supersonic flight.

June 14, 2026Results in EngineeringOpen Access

Integrated Aero-Structural Design and Supersonic Flight Validation of a 3D-Printed Composite Rocket Nose Cone

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

CCCatalin ChelmusUniversitatea Națională de Știință și Tehnologie Politehnica București TGTudor GheormaUniversitatea Națională de Știință și Tehnologie Politehnica București SUStefan UrsacheUniversitatea Națională de Știință și Tehnologie Politehnica București

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Randomized trial demonstrates structural integrity in a 3D-printed rocket nose cone, suggesting hybrid manufacturing is feasible for aerospace applications.

Key Points

This research aims to validate the aero-structural performance of a 3D-printed and composite-reinforced rocket nose cone during supersonic flight.
Designed a tangent ogive rocket nose cone using fused deposition modeling with PET-G and fiberglass-epoxy composite reinforcement.
Conducted CFD simulations and finite element analysis to assess aerodynamic efficiency and structural performance under flight conditions.
Validated the nose cone through a full-scale supersonic flight test reaching Mach 1.7-1.8 and an altitude of approximately 9772 m.
The hybrid design showed improved stiffness and reduced deformation under stress compared to traditional materials.
Successful supersonic flight validation demonstrated complete structural integrity, with no cracking or deformation post-flight.
Maximum dynamic pressure during flight was approximately 160-170 kPa, confirming robustness over conservative CFD predictions.

Cite This Study

Chelmus et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a2e44e4b1cc60ccdea8a421 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2026.111519

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Implication

Randomized trial demonstrates structural integrity in a 3D-printed rocket nose cone, suggesting hybrid manufacturing is feasible for aerospace applications.

Integrated Aero-Structural Design and Supersonic Flight Validation of a 3D-Printed Composite Rocket Nose Cone

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Integrated Aero-Structural Design and Supersonic Flight Validation of a 3D-Printed Composite Rocket Nose Cone

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider