Title: Design and Testing of a Low-Cost 3D-Printed Servo Gimbal for Thrust Vector Control in Model Rockets Show Chinese title

Title: 用于模型火箭推力矢量控制的低成本3D打印伺服云台的设计与测试

Abstract: Thrust vector control (TVC) is a key mechanism for stabilizing rockets during flight, yet conventional implementations remain costly and technically inaccessible to students and hobbyists. This paper presents the design, fabrication, and testing of a low-cost, 3D-printed, servo-driven two-dimensional gimbal developed for model rocket applications. The gimbal underwent more than 60 CAD iterations, with servo selection guided by torque, response time, and stability requirements. A high-speed camera and Fusion 360 parameter simulations were used to emulate dynamic instability, enabling evaluation of angular deflection, servo responsiveness, and structural durability. The results demonstrated stable actuation within plus or minus 5 degrees, with response times on the average order of 44.5 ms, while limitations included servo fatigue and pin-joint stress under extended loading. The project highlights the feasibility of student-accessible thrust vector control systems and their potential as a reproducible platform for STEM education and experimental aerospace research. Show Chinese abstract

Abstract: 推力矢量控制（TVC）是稳定火箭飞行的关键机制，但传统实现方式仍然成本高昂且对学生和爱好者技术上难以接触。 本文介绍了为模型火箭应用设计、制造和测试的低成本、3D打印、伺服驱动的二维万向节。 该万向节经历了超过60次CAD迭代，伺服选择由扭矩、响应时间和稳定性要求指导。 使用高速摄像机和Fusion 360参数仿真来模拟动态不稳定，从而评估角度偏转、伺服响应能力和结构耐久性。 结果表明，在正负5度范围内实现了稳定的操作，平均响应时间为44.5毫秒，而局限性包括长时间负载下的伺服疲劳和销钉关节应力。 该项目突显了学生可访问的推力矢量控制系统可行性，以及其作为STEM教育和实验航空航天研究可重复平台的潜力。