The model rocket engine adapter was a very interesting project that dealt with a very popular hobby: model rockets.  Probably every hobbyist has at some point seen or played with model rockets. Model rockets operate with solid propellant motors.  Companies such as Estes, Aerotech, and others manufacture the motor rockets to standard sizes.  Rocket diameters varied depending on their power. Their power or total impulse is denominated by their classification which could be A, B, C, D, F, etc.  The power of the model rocket motors doubles with every letter.  So a B engine is twice as strong as an A and C is twice as strong as a B, and so forth.  The B and C class rocket engines have the same diameter and are the most widely sold in stores.  However, it would be impossible to fit a D or E engine in a model rocket that has a C engine cavity because the diameters are different.

This project, in essence, would create an adapter to allows D and E engines to be fitted in rockets that have C engine cavities.  The challenge was evident from the beginning of the project since D and E engines have larger diameters than the C engine.  Also, the requirements called for a quick connect and disconnect system.  The product development engineering analysis as always included manufacturability. The result was an amazing new product that allows C engine model rockets to be fitted with D and E engines for an exciting above the clouds experience.