I am currently in the process of building a minimum diameter 38 mm rocket for launch later this summer. The goal of this launch is maximum altitude on the available power plant (approximately 750 Ns). Unfortunately, a launch tower is unavailable at this time. RASAero is predicting that the added drag from the rail buttons is reducing our ceiling from 13,000 feet to 8,500 feet, and our maximum speed from 1.74 to 1.32 mach.
So, I am considering ways to reduce the turbulence associated with the rail buttons. Does anyone have any thoughts on fairing them in as seen below? I was considering epoxying on small pieces of wood to accomplish this, would you consider this a safety hazard in terms of coming off and clogging the rail?
Thank you for your input.
So, I am considering ways to reduce the turbulence associated with the rail buttons. Does anyone have any thoughts on fairing them in as seen below? I was considering epoxying on small pieces of wood to accomplish this, would you consider this a safety hazard in terms of coming off and clogging the rail?
Thank you for your input.
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