Perpustakaan Digital ITB

Thrust vectoring control is used to generate control authority in rockets and missiles, especially during low-speed and boost-phase flight where aerodynamic control surfaces are less effective. However, most existing studies focus on larger or more complex systems, leaving limited references for low-cost thrust vectoring applications on small solid rocket motors. This research designs, manufactures, and preliminarily tests a guide-vane-based thrust vectoring control system for a student-level small solid rocket motor. The system was developed as an add-on module to an existing Level 1 rocket configuration, consisting of a guide vane assembly, servo-driven actuation mechanism, supporting structure, rocket motor interface, and a dedicated static test rig for axial and side-force measurement. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the system. The first experiment showed that the guide vanes exceeded the minimum deflection requirement, with measured maximum deflections between 35.67° and 47°. The second experiment confirmed that the assembly could be integrated with the rocket motor and survive static firing, although burnt liner residue caused clogging. The third experiment indicated measurable side-force generation during vane deflection, but the quantitative results were limited by load cell noise, low sensor sensitivity, possible rocket movement, clogging, and thermal damage. Therefore, this research concludes that the guide-vane thrust vectoring system is feasible as a preliminary proof of concept, while future work should improve the test rig, measurement system, thermal resistance, and motor repeatability.