Simulators for Rockets & Robots
Tutorial & Lab
Dion PaulHS Teacher Summer Program
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Agenda TimeTutorial 9:00am - 9:30am
Overview of SimulatorsMy Experience A Simulator for Rockets - RockSim A Simulator for Robots – RoboLogix
Lab Activity I 9:30am - 10:45amRockSim
Break 10:45am - 11:10amLab Activity II: 11:10am –
12:10pm RoboLogix
Questions/Discussion
Simulators for Rockets & Robots - OverviewWhat is simulation? The use of a model to imitate the
operation of a real-world process or
system over time
Model: key characteristics
Operation: behavior
Computer simulation:
Attempts to model a real-life or
hypothetical situation on a computer
in order to gain a better
understanding of its operation
Variables in the model can be
modified, and predictions can be
made about the system’s behavior
Computer simulation is useful in
modeling:
Natural systems in physics,
chemistry, biology,
Human systems in economics and
social science (computational
sociology)
Electronic and other engineering
systems, for example network traffic.
Simulators for Rockets & Robots - Overview
Applications of Simulation Performance optimization
Engineering: safety testing
Video games
Scientific modeling of natural systems
or human systems to gain operational
insight.
Used to display the eventual real
effects of alternative conditions and
courses of action.
Simulation is also used when the real
system cannot be engaged, due to:
Inaccessible or dangerous
It is being designed but not yet
built, or it may simply not exist.
Simulators for Rockets & Robots - Overview
Screenshot – Flight Simulator
Microsoft® Flight Simulator X Allows user to be immersed in a beautifully rich and realistic world
with dozens of aircraft and interactive missions.
Missions allows users to fly anywhere in the world, all from their
personal computer or similar deviceUsers of all ages and skill levels feel
firsthand what it’s like to be an
aviator traveling the globe solo or
online with others
Simulators for Rockets & Robots - Overview
Screenshot – The Sims
The Sims Award-winning series that created the Life Simulation
genre. Users are allowed to do things which may be impossible in
real life. It is a strategic life-simulation video game developed by
Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. It simulates the daily activities of one or more virtual
persons (Sims) in a suburban household near SimCity.
Simulators for Rockets & Robots - Overview
Screenshot - Farmville
Farmville A farming simulation social network game developed by Zynga in 2009. Gameplay involves general farm management such as plowing land, planting, growing and harvesting crops, harvesting trees and bushes, and raising livestock. It is available as an Adobe Flash application via the social-networking website Facebook and Microsoft's MSN Games, and also as app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. As of September 2011, FarmVille is the third most popular Facebook game, behind CityVille and The Sims Social.
Simulators for Rockets & Robots – My Experience2011-2012 NASA University Student Launch Initiative (USLI)
Team Name: FAMU Diamondbacks (@FAMUDBacks)Mission: To win the USLI rocket competition by successfully launching and recovering a rocket to an altitude of 1 mile (5,280 feet).
Highlights: NASA USLI presented a unique opportunity that had not been pursued before at FAMU. Project aimed to open the eyes of FAMU students, as well as encourage students to step out of their comfort zone and gain new experiences. FAMU DBacks focused on designing the most creative and innovative rocket which will reach the required altitude and possess maximum safety and efficiency.FAMU DBacks also planned to integrate the most creative and innovative science payload into our rocket design.
Simulators for Rockets & Robots – My ExperienceRockSim software used to simulate rocket flight
Crucial in rocket design, construction and implementation
Mandatory step required by NASA before rocket is launched
Important modifications made based on simulation results
Result: FAMU Diamondbacks, 1st Place Altitute Award, 2012 NASA USLI
Simulators for Rockets & Robots – RockSim RockSim is a computer program that allows you to design any size rocket, and
then simulate its flight to see how high, and how fast it will fly.
User is able to find out if it is stable and safe to launch even before starting to
build the creation.
Used by NASA scientists, amateur clubs and even high school kids.
Simulates the design, implementation and flight of real rockets and several
models.
Allows users to build their own rocket, or choose from available model
designs.
Users can quickly see the likely effects of design changes, hopefully
preventing crashes and lost work.
• RockSim Demo• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEWRlu4K7ts
Simulators for Rockets & Robots - RoboLogixDesigned primarily as an education tool, ideal for students,
robot designers and engineers.
Provides all the power and functionality of professional software costing thousands of dollars via a user-friendly 3D interface.
Robotic programs can be tested and debugged in a safe, non-hazardous environment using accurate simulations.
Simulated robot data is accessible without tying up programming time on an actual robot.
A control panel is included with RoboLogix that allows the user to issues command to the robot model in the simulated environment.
Simulators for Rockets & Robots – Lab Activity I
• Follow instructions on lab document. • Video Guide - RockSim Lab
• http://www.cis.famu.edu/~dpaul/courses/
Simulators for Rockets & Robots – Lab Activity II
• Follow instructions on lab document. • Video Guide - RoboLogix
• http://www.cis.famu.edu/~dpaul/courses/
Simulators for Rockets & Robots – Additional Resources
RockSim:http://www.apogeerockets.com/Rocksim/Rocksim_information/
RoboLogix: http://www.robologix.com
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