PROPENSITY is a prospective project for flight on a new, large hybrid motor.  If constructed, it will also test some new construction techniques, such as using a strong internal core with an outer shell of Quik-Tube.  Initial flights would be on a cluster of solid motors, and later flights would be on a central hybrid with a very long tank and an outboard cluster of solid motors.  In this configuration, the vehicle should be capable of altitudes up to 90,000 feet.  PROPENSITY would also test a new "payload bay door" parachute ejection system.  We have settled on a final design and are currently running CFD and stress calculations.

CAD Models

Chris found time to create a couple of CAD models of PROPENSITY on the computer, using Catia.  He is currently running simulations on the various sections of the airframe to insure strength parameters are met while maintaining a reasonable propellant mass fraction and overall vehicle weight.

Model of the interior of the avionics bay	Nose cone structure model -- base view	Nose cone structure model -- side view