MOTOR CENTERING RINGS

The motor centering rings are designed to maintain coaxial alignment between the rocket motor and the surrounding airframe while also helping to dampen vibrations due to the rocket. As seen in the images below, their role is not structural but rather functional, ensuring consistent spacing and reducing the risk of asymmetric loading or resonance during flight. Over the years, the design has evolved to balance structural effectiveness with mass efficiency.

In 2023 and 2024, the rings were machined from thin aluminum plates with material removed to reduce weight. While functional, this design left little room for optimization. In 2025, I transitioned to a more efficient configuration: a laser-cut fiberglass ring paired with precision-machined aluminum support blocks. This hybrid design achieved significant mass reduction without sacrificing the stability or fit required for motor alignment.

Machining methods varied across versions. The aluminum plates in 2023 and 2024 were shaped using EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) where blocks were submerged and cut into precise profiles using electrical discharges. For the 2025 version, the aluminum blocks were fabricated using the same method, while the fiberglass ring was laser cut and the screw holes were finished using a vertical mill to ensure accurate thread and alignment.

Because the motor centering rings are not load-bearing, FEA was unnecessary for these components.