Senior Space Cadet
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- May 23, 2020
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Finding something to use for a nose cone weight is pretty easy. Clay, BBs, lead shot, etc.
Getting it to stay in place is the problem. If the weight comes loose on liftoff, that's a problem.
A possible solution, for some nose cones, is to fill in the space behind the weight with something low mass, like foam, thus preventing the weight from moving back.
Some of my nose cones are two piece. One piece being a cup shaped base. Apogee make ejection plugs that will fit perfectly into some sizes. You could make your own from blue foam insulation.
https://www.apogeerockets.com/Building-Supplies/Parachute-Protection/PlugsAnother possible solution is spray foam insulation. An issue there might be that it needs exposure to air to dry.
I'm guessing you can buy small Styrofoam balls, that you might be able to drop through a hole in the back of the nosecone, then seal the hole.
Point is, if your nose cone has a cap, on the back, you just need to find something light to fill the void between the weight and the cap.
Getting it to stay in place is the problem. If the weight comes loose on liftoff, that's a problem.
A possible solution, for some nose cones, is to fill in the space behind the weight with something low mass, like foam, thus preventing the weight from moving back.
Some of my nose cones are two piece. One piece being a cup shaped base. Apogee make ejection plugs that will fit perfectly into some sizes. You could make your own from blue foam insulation.
https://www.apogeerockets.com/Building-Supplies/Parachute-Protection/PlugsAnother possible solution is spray foam insulation. An issue there might be that it needs exposure to air to dry.
I'm guessing you can buy small Styrofoam balls, that you might be able to drop through a hole in the back of the nosecone, then seal the hole.
Point is, if your nose cone has a cap, on the back, you just need to find something light to fill the void between the weight and the cap.