Conceptual design and structural analysis of stage 1 of the launch vehilce

Kurzfassung

Launch vehicles are essential for launching satellites into space and exploring the universe from the surface of the Earth. Satellites, spacecraft, or human missions are launched into orbit using these rockets, which use powerful propulsion systems to overcome Earth’s gravitational forces. Multiple stages are involved in the design and construction of launch vehicles, each contributing to their overall thrust and precision. Technological advancements, greater privatization, and growing commercial interest in space-based services have driven a significant transformation in the global space industry in recent years. These developments are centered on launch vehicles, which are multistage rockets designed to transport payloads beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Vehicles like these are essential for space exploration, satellite deployment, and deep-space missions. Due to the increasing reliance on space technologies for telecommunications, earth observation, and scientific research, the need for reliable and cost-effective access to space is growing. In response to these needs, companies worldwide have been racing to develop next-generation launch vehicles that prioritize efficiency, re-usability, and reduced costs. This field has attracted several notable players, including SpaceX, whose Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets feature reusable first stages; Blue Origin, which produces the New Shepard vehicle; and Rocket Lab, which has developed the Electron rocket for small satellites. With rockets such as the Atlas and the upcoming Vulcan, traditional aerospace giants Boeing and Lockheed Martin offer reliable launch services through their joint venture, United Launch Alliance (ULA). Similarly, the Ariane rocket series, Europe’s trusted workhorses, have powered countless missions, from satellite deployments to ambitious planetary explorations. As a result of this competitive landscape, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that complex vehicles are able to handle the stresses of launch, where structural integrity becomes of paramount importance. As the complexity of launch vehicles increases, ensuring the strength and reliability of their structural elements is crucial for mission success. To assess the behavior of components under different loading conditions, structural analysis employs a variety of techniques, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), analytical methods, and experimental testing. Analytical methods can quickly determine stress and strain in simpler geometries, while FEA provides detailed simulations of stress and strain. Design validation under real-world conditions is achieved through experimental testing, including static and dynamic testing. By combining these techniques, potential weaknesses can be identified and designs can be optimized to withstand launch and flight stresses.