Engineering Design Document

Recently I have been asked about how to write a design document for a hobby rocket project. I have written about software design report before, but physical engineering disciplines have different needs (I am a mechanical engineering graduate). Here are the sections I would cover (with help from GPT4):

1. Introduction: What problem are you trying to solve and why? Example: "I am trying to build a model rocket because I have an interest in model rocketry and it might provide me valuable real life experience as an engineering candidate."
2. Requirements: List all the specific requirements and constraints that the rocket must meet. This can include factors like desired altitude, payload capacity, stability, safety regulations, and motor selection. Example: "I want a rocket that carries a 1kg payload to at least 100m altitude without losing control"
3. Literature/internet survey: What solutions have others come up with before you?
4. Safety Considerations: Address safety concerns and precautions that must be taken during the design, construction, and launch of the rocket. Include information on safety codes, launch site selection, launch procedures, and recovery considerations.
5. Sub-problems and potential solution candidates, including preliminary calculations, sketches/drawings for propulsion, aerodynamics, control/avionics, recovery, structure, construction techniques.
6. Budget and Schedule: Include a section outlining the estimated budget for the project, including material costs, equipment, and any other expenses. Additionally, provide a timeline or schedule for the design, construction, and testing phases.
7. Comparison of solution candidates, selection of solution and the reason why you selected it.
8. Simulation and Testing: Describe the simulation tools used to predict the rocket's performance, stability, and trajectory. Discuss any physical testing methods used to validate the design, such as ground testing or test flights of prototypes.
9. Conclusion: Summarize the key points of the document and restate the objectives of the rocket design. Mention any further steps or considerations that need to be addressed before the construction phase begins.
10. Future work: What would you like to do in the near future, what additional problems would you need to solve to achieve that.