How to run

Setup

You'll need a working python 3.12 environment with Elodin installed. These instructions assume Linux.

Python env

uv is easiest:

uv venv --python 3.12 python-env
source python-env/bin/activate
uv pip install elodin

Elodin sim GUI

Download the Elodin GUI from here: https://github.com/elodin-sys/elodin/releases

Running

This simulation is run in two stages. First you run the targeting simulation to figure out the proper vector magnitude, then you run the simulation in the GUI with that value to visualize hitting the target.

For an example, let's assume we want to hit a target at x=1328, y=4389

First run targeting:

python3 rocket.py target 1328 4389

The algorithm will run for a while, then output a solution magnitude. In this case the value is 18.81316304206848.

Next fire up the Elodin GUI.

Then input the value from the target command into the run command:

python3 rocket.py run 1328 4389 18.81316304206848

You should see the rocket fly torwards the target. You can use the sidebar inspect to verify that it hits the target when world_pos.z = 0.0.

RFD

I am tasked with using Elodin to design and test a rocket that can hit a target at maximum range.

Scope

Launch rocket from point A torwards a target at point B
Use provided thrust curve ([https://www.thrustcurve.org/motors/AeroTech/M685W/])
Account for gravity
Account for air resistance
Test multiple launch angles
Test multiple rocket shapes

Simplifying assumptions

No earth curvature
Uniform air density
Ignoring Mach and Reynolds effects for drag

Anticipated Challenges

Implementing the thrust curve
Accounting for air resistance, particularly important as we modify the shape of the rocket
Figuring out how to calculate the expected trajectory up-front in order to hit the target

High-level plan

Phase 0 - Learn tooling

Get familiar with Elodin, jax, etc

Look over Elodin docs
Get Elodin up and running
Go through ball tutorial
Create a custom Elodin.System

Phase 1 - Basic rocket

Create an MVP for the assignment: a spherical rocket that implements the thrust curve

Implement sqherical rocket
Gravity
Create a system for simulating thrust curve
Implement air resistance

Phase 2 - Hitting the target

Implement launch angles
Calculate/estimate the correct launch angles before launch

Phase 3 - Optimize rocket

Find the design that maximizes range

Test cube rocket
Test cylinder rocket
Test cylinder with cuboid fins
Test cylinder with fins and cone

anderspitman/elodin_rocket