Hi, my name is Matthew Dula, and I am an American mechanical engineering student currently in my first year of undergraduate studies in Italy. My passion is aerospace engineering, and this repo documents my learning journey in simulations, electronics, CAD, and rocket builds.
- Math — Multivariable Calculus (completed), Numerical Methods (in progress)
- Python — beginner (plotting & simple scripts) 🔧 In progress (started Oct 2025)
- OpenRocket — learning (running simulations) 🔧 In progress
- CAD (Fusion 360) — beginner (basic solid and surface modelling)
- Microcontrollers (Arduino/Pico) — beginner — 🕒 Planned
- 2025-10-08 — Installed OpenRocket and ran first sample simulation.
- 2025-10-10 - Started Fusion 360 learning; created cube model.
- 2025-10-11 - Modeled a wall bracket in Fusion; ran four OpenRocket simulations to explore how fin specifications affect rocket stability.
- 2025-10-12 - Modelled a glass soda bottle in Fusion to explore Rotate, Spline, and Shell features.
- 2025-10-13 - Modelled a paperclip in Fusion to explore the Sweep and Tangent arc features; ran three OpenRocket simulations to further explore the effects of fin specifications on rocket stability.
- 2025-10-14 - Modelled a whiskey bottle in Fusion to explore the Loft, Intersect, Mirror, and Thread features; ran three OpenRocket simulations to optimize certain fin specifications with respect to stability and maximum velocity.
- 2025-10-15 - Modelled an ice cube tray in Fusion to explore applying a taper angle to an extrusion, using the Rectangular Pattern feature, creating a Midplane Construction plane, and applying the Shell command with respect to multiple faces; began an OpenRocket introductory course to provide more structure to my journey in rocket builds.
- 2025-10-16 - Modelled a hex nut in Fusion to learn the Circumscribed Polygon tool, Custom Chamfer feature, and Hole command; completed lessons in OpenRocket course.
- 2025-10-17 - Modelled a bike handlebar grip in Fusion to learn the Text, Emboss, and Combine features; finished OpenRocket intro and added certificate.
- 2025-10-18 - Modelled a doorstop in Fusion to learn the Three Point Arc feature and expand on the Chamfer, Emboss, and Offset Faces commands; wrote rocketry proposal for university club.
- 2025-10-19 - Modelled a lightbulb in Fusion to learn the Cylinder and Sphere commands, and expand knowledge of the Intersect command and Appearance feature.
- 2025-10-20 - Modelled the highest performing fin from OpenRocket simulations in Fusion.
- 2025-10-21 - Modelled a phone case in Fusion to learn how to import external CAD files and the Joint command, and reiterate the Project and Sweep commands.
- 2025-10-22 - Modelled a dog bowl in Fusion to serve as an introduction to surface modelling.
- 2025-10-23 - Modelled an auger in Fusion to learn the Pipe, Coil, Project to Surface, and Plane Along Path commands.
- 2025-10-24 - Modelled a screwdriver in Fusion to learn the basics of assembly construction, the Circular Pattern feature, and expand applications of the Revolve and Extrude commands.
- 2025-10-25 - Modelled a painter's tripod in Fusion to learn the Axis Perpendicular to Face at Point command, and to better understand the value of fully parametric modelling with duplicated components.
- 2025-10-26 - Completed an exercise regarding design intent in Fusion, during which I learned how to leverage constraints to create fully parametric designs.
- 2025-10-27 - Completed an exercise regarding constraints in Fusion, and I learned the various uses of all twelve main sketch constraints.
- 2025-10-28 - Completed an exercise regarding STL to solid conversion in Fusion, and I learned the different ways to use the Convert Mesh and Face Groups features.
- 2025-10-29 - Completed an exercise regarding parameters in Fusion, in order to learn how to use them properly as well as learn the Joint command.
- 2025-10-30 - Completed a hinge model in fusion, in order to learn how to create a basic hinge as well as learn the use of the Combine command.
- 2025-10-31 - Completed a 3d printable mold for making keychains to learn how to create functional molds with a 3d printer and to learn the Draft command.
- 2025-11-1 - Modelled a two part chess set mold in Fusion, in order to learn the techniques for making multi-part molds and also the Split Body command; researched the specifications for the nosecone of my first rocket kit, and modelled it accordingly in Fusion.
- 2025-11-2 - Completed an As Built Joints exercise in Fusion to learn the Slider, Rigid, Revolute, and Ball functions.
- 2025-11-3 - Modelled a napkin holder with sheet metal in order to learn the usages of the Flang command, Sheet Metal Rules selection, the Full Round Fillet option, and Flat Pattern features.
- 2025-11-4 - Surfaced modelled a propeller in Fusion to learn key surface modeling concepts and the Loft command.
- 2025-11-5 - Completed a mesh model exercise in Fusion to learn Mesh commands such as Create Mesh Section Set, Fit Curves to Mesh Section, Tessellate, and Combine, as well as multi-directional extrusions.
- 2025-11-6 - Modelled a simple and a complex vase in Fusion to learn to use Form modeling through the following Create Form commands: Edit Form, Revolve, Circular Symmetry, Insert Edge, Crease, Split Body, and Patch.
- 2025-11-7 - Rendered a screwdriver in Fusion to learn rendering using Appearances, an In-Canvas Render, Decal, and final Render.
- 2025-11-8 - Created a manufacturing drawing of a toy block in Fusion to become familiar with the Drawing Workspace by creating and editing different views through the Projected View, Detailed View, Dimension, and Radius Dimension commands.
- 2025-11-9 - Created an animation of a car in Fusion to become familar with the Animation workspace through the Auto-Explode, Reverse, Restore Home and Transform commands, along with editing actions in the timeline. This markes my completion of the "Learn Fusion360 in 30 Days" course from Product Design Online.
- 2025-11-10 - Modelled the engine mount and pin sleeves for my independent gimbal mechanism project in Fusion.
- 2025-11-20 - Have fully finished the gimbal mechanism except for the joints; received parts for first rocket project.
- 2025-11-21 - Assembled and installed motor mount and three of four fins.
Email: mdula@catholic.tech