Bulk Molded Compounds for Secondary Structures

Virgin Orbit Engineering, 2018-19

Liaison(s): Danielle Fallon, Chad Foerster ’05
Advisor(s): Gordon Krauss
Students(s): Kaitlyn Eng (TL-F), Mariah Ewing (S), Fernando Fernandez (F), Douglas Raigosa (S), Marianna Sbordone (TL-S), Kevin Shoyer (F), Jessica Wolfe (F)

The Virgin Orbit Clinic team was challenged to reduce weight aboard the LauncherOne rocket. By replacing aluminum secondary structures with bulk molded compound (BMC) designs, the team will decrease non-value-added weight and needless emissions. The team developed BMC machining methods including drilling and tapping. Pull-through and bearing fastener allowables were tested and analyzed. The team designed their own test fixtures, conforming to industry standards. Finally, the team redesigned structures, performed analysis and created a proof of concept.