UConn AIAA

Founded in 2015, UConn AIAA is a student-run organization split into two teams: Design, Build, Fly (DBF) and Propulsive Landing (PL). Design. Build, Fly specializes in designing a functioning model aircraft for AIAA's annual competition. Each year the parameters and special requirements for the project change. This year, DBF teams are required to fit in a two foot wide parking space and carry model people and medical equipment. DBF members utilize Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling, XFLR5, and Ansys to model and simulate their designs. On the other hand, Propulsive Landing aims to successfully land a student-built and designed model rocket using solid rocket motors. The rocket launches from a pad on the ground, and once it reaches the peak of its flight a second engine kicks in. Code written in C++ and MATLAB helps to keep the rocket stable and oriented upwards in order to safely land. Simulink is used to simulate launches and perform virtual tests. The team is currently preparing for a test launch on December 2, 2023. As a whole, AIAA provides students with opportunities to hone their skills, learn new ones, and connect with other students and professionals within their desired fields.