MTH227 Research Project:
Interstellar Parachute Design Challenge
Future Aerospace Engineers
Project Deadline: Wednesday of Week 13
Project Description
Welcome, aerospace engineers! Your mission is to design a parachute system for a planetary exploration mission to Mars, Venus, or Titan. The key challenge lies in the unique atmo-spheric conditions of these celestial bodies (e.g., low density, different composition), which drastically affect fluid dynamic behavior. compared to Earth.
This project requires you to apply core fluid mechanics principles to design a parachute that can operate effectively in a specified extraterrestrial environment. You are encouraged to think creatively and move beyond traditional designs. Your goal is to propose a conceptually sound design justified by fluid mechanics theory and analysis.
Key Requirements
Team Formation & Submission
• Form. a team of three students.
• Submit one research paper per team.
• The paper must be no less than 5 pages, excluding references and appendices.
• The deadline is Wednesday of Week 13.
• In principle, all team members will receive the same score.
Paper Structure
Your paper must include the following sections in order:
1. Title: A concise reflection of the core content of your main research.
2. Author: The names and IDs of all three students.
3. Abstract: A concise summary of your mission, design, and key findings.
4. Introduction: Background on the target planet, a literature review, the engineering problem, and objectives.
5. Main Body: This should detail your design process, theoretical analysis, and calcu-lations.
6. Conclusion: Summary of your design’s advantages, limitations, and potential im-provements.
7. References: List all cited books, articles, and online resources.
8. AI Usage Statement: A declaration of how AI tools were used (see policy below).
9. Appendix (Optional): For code, detailed calculations, or simulation setups (e.g., CFD parameters). Note: CFD or other simulations are NOT required. You may choose to use them as a supplementary analysis tool, but they will NOT contribute to your score. AI can be used as a tutor to help you learn CFD software if you wish.
AI Usage Policy
• DO NOT use AI to generate the paper’s content. The writing must be your own.
• You ARE ENCOURAGED to use AI for:
– Brainstorming and generating initial ideas.
– Conducting background research and summarizing literature.
– Assisting with data analysis or explaining complex theoretical concepts.
– Assisting with coding if you need.
– Learning how to use software if you wish (e.g., CFD tools).
• You MUST include an AI Usage Statement detailing which tools were used and for what purposes. Proper use of AI will not affect your score.
• Here is an example of the statement:AI Usage Statement: We used DeepSeek for brainstorming and to improve our understanding of theoretical fluid dynamics concepts related to drag and stability. All content in this report was written and developed by our team.
Grading Rubric
Your project will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Application of Fluid Mechanics Theory & Analysis (30%)
Correct and deep application of concepts, theory and analysis methods. Quality of the theoretical analysis of your design.
2. Creativity & Critical Thinking in Design (20%)
Originality and innovativeness of the proposed parachute design. Evidence of critical thinking in comparing design options and justifying choices.
3. Use of Mathematics & Physics in Modeling (20%)
Effective use of mathematical tools and physical laws to calculate and predict the performance of your design.
4. Reliability, Persuasion, & Feasibility (15%)
The overall credibility and logical flow of your argument. How well you convince the reader that your design is feasible and addresses the core challenges.
5. Clarity, Structure, & Readability (15%)
The overall organization, clarity of writing, use of professional language, and quality of visual presentations (figures, graphs, diagrams).
Getting Started
• Find your partners and form. a research team of three members.
• Choose your target planet and research its atmosphere.
• Review key fluid mechanics principles related to drag and flow around bluff bodies.
• Brainstorm wildly as a team, then refine your ideas into 2-3 promising concepts.
• Start with simple calculations and build your analysis from there.
We are excited to see your innovative designs for the final frontier! Good luck!