rocketry/ROCKETTOOLS_CONSOLIDATED_REFINED.md

RocketTools - Rocket Propulsion Engineering Calculator

Project Overview

RocketTools is a sophisticated web-based engineering calculator specifically designed for rocket propulsion applications. Built with modern web technologies including React, Vite, and React Router, this application serves as a comprehensive platform for both students learning aerospace engineering concepts and professional engineers performing complex propulsion calculations.

The application features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for manipulating variables and solving equations, along with 3D visualization capabilities for engine design. It combines educational content with professional-grade calculation capabilities, enabling users to learn concepts while performing real engineering work.

Key Features

Equation Solver

• Drag-and-drop interface for rocketry variables
• Automatic solving of unknowns using constraint propagation
• Support for scientific notation and unit conversions
• Export capabilities (ODT, JSON formats)

Engine Designer

• Configuration tools for combustion chambers, nozzles, and feed systems
• Live 3D visualization of engine models using React Three Fiber
• Interactive design parameters

Knowledge Base

• Reference materials for fuels and oxidizers
• Educational content for propulsion theory

Planned Features

• Trajectory Plotter for flight simulation
• Additional propulsion calculation tools

Technology Stack

Core Technologies

• React 19: Modern UI library for building interactive interfaces
• Vite 7: Next-generation frontend tooling for fast development
• React Router 7: Declarative routing for React applications

Specialized Libraries

• DnD Kit: Complete drag and drop toolkit for React
• React Three Fiber: React renderer for Three.js
• Drei: Useful helpers for React Three Fiber
• Three.js: JavaScript 3D library
• JSZip: JavaScript library for creating, reading and editing .zip files

Development Tools

• TailwindCSS: Utility-first CSS framework
• ESLint: JavaScript linting utility
• Vite Plugins: For enhanced development experience

Project Structure

src/
├── components/     # Reusable UI components
│   ├── engine/     # Engine-specific components
│   └── rocket/     # Rocket-specific components
├── pages/          # Page-level components corresponding to routes
├── engine/         # Core engine calculation logic and data
├── hooks/          # Custom React hooks for state management
├── assets/         # Static assets (images, icons, etc.)
├── App.jsx         # Main application component with routing
└── main.jsx        # Application entry point

Component Architecture

UI Components

• VariablePalette: Sidebar component containing draggable variable cards
• Workspace: Central area where users place and manipulate variables
• ResultsPanel: Displays calculation results and provides export functionality
• VariableCard: Individual draggable elements representing rocket variables
• PropellantModal: Modal dialog for selecting propellant properties
• EquationBrowser: Interface for browsing and selecting equations

Pages

• Home: Landing page showcasing available tools
• Solver: Main equation solving interface with drag-and-drop functionality
• EnginePage: Engine design tool with 3D visualization
• RocketPage: Rocket design interface (currently placeholder)
• KnowledgebaseFuelsPage: Reference information about fuels and oxidizers

Business Logic

Core modules located in src/engine/:

• equations.js: Mathematical formulas for rocket propulsion
• solver.js: Constraint propagation algorithm implementation
• engineDesignCalcs.js: Engine design calculations
• rocketDesignCalcs.js: Rocket design calculations
• units.js: Unit conversion utilities
• variables.js: Variable definitions and management
• numerics.js: Numerical methods and algorithms
• format.js: Formatting utilities for display

State Management

Custom React hooks in src/hooks/:

• useSolver: Core state management for the equation solver
• useEngineDesign: State management for engine design
• useRocketDesign: State management for rocket design

Target Audience

• Aerospace engineering students at universities and colleges
• Professional rocket engineers in industry
• Hobbyist rocket enthusiasts with technical interests
• Educational institutions teaching propulsion and aerospace engineering courses

Development Status

✅ Documentation Finalized and Approved ✅ Core Functionality Implemented 🚧 Additional Features in Development

Completed Components

• Core equation solver functionality with drag-and-drop interface
• Engine designer with 3D visualization capabilities
• Knowledge base with propellant reference data
• Export functionality for results in ODT and JSON formats
• Responsive UI design using TailwindCSS

Upcoming Development Priorities

• Implementation of trajectory plotting capabilities
• Expansion of the knowledge base with additional educational content
• Performance optimizations for complex calculations
• Enhanced export options

Success Criteria

• Positive feedback from target user groups during beta testing
• Accuracy of engineering calculations validated against established methods
• Responsive interface with load times under 2 seconds
• Complete documentation covering all tools and features
• Successful deployment with 99% uptime over a 30-day period

Project Constraints

• Single developer project with limited resources
• Web-based delivery requiring modern browser support
• Focus on fundamental rocket propulsion calculations rather than advanced simulations
• Dependency on third-party libraries that may require updates