News Release

Engineering freshmen learn rocket science

San Diego, Calif., May 23, 2014 -- A total of 7.2 seconds: that was the longest flight time for water rockets designed by undergraduate students in a structural engineering freshman seminar at the Jacobs School. The class is designed to teach students about different structures in aerospace, including rockets and aircraft, explained Hyonny Kim, a professor of structural engineering.

Students have to write specifications for their rockets, build them and predict how long they’ll fly. After testing, they write a report and give a presentation. More about SE 87, Engineering Aerospace Structures on the class website.

“It teaches them a lot of the basic skills they need to learn,” said Kim. “It’s also a fun activity.” 

Media Contacts

Ioana Patringenaru
Jacobs School of Engineering
858-822-0899
ipatrin@ucsd.edu