techniques on fixing kinked body tube

[rocketgeek101]

Hello,
A while back while building an Aerotech Arreaux I somehow managed kink the body tube starting just above the motor mount and going all they way around the tube for a good bit. could it be defective tube? I dont think I put that much pressure on it. The tube still seems pretty strong though, but when you push down on it the kink will bulge a bit. I don't feel comfortable flying it as is and would like an opinion on fixing this. I cant really get Aerotech tubing from where I live so cutting out the bad section would not really be an option.
I was thinking about getting some epoxy and spreading a thin film around the inside of the tube. would this work?

thanks in advance,
rocketgeek101

[NAR29996]

This is what I do.

Cut the body tube just above the kinked area. Install a coupler, and check to make sure your recovery system won't het hung up on the coupler. Then, glue the coupler into the top piece, and reglue the 2 pieces. Works like a charm. Be sure to check stability again, esp if the coupler was installed near the aft of the rocket.

Good Luck.

[bjphoenix]

Cut the body tube just above the kinked area. Install a coupler, and check to make sure your recovery system won't het hung up on the coupler. Then, glue the coupler into the top piece, and reglue the 2 pieces. Works like a charm. Be sure to check stability again, esp if the coupler was installed near the aft of the rocket.

I second this.

He said he can't get LOC tubing which means he probably can't get a coupler either, BUT he can MAKE a coupler lots of different ways. And if he didn't want to cut the tube and put in the coupler maybe he can reach in and do it from the top.

[rocketgeek101]

I would still like to know if spreading a film of epoxy on the inside of the tube would strengthen it enough to launch.

[Tolppisouth]

A coating of epoxy would be like a thick paint. It adheres to stuff very well but it is in and of itself not structurally great. You need to provide additional material to provide strength. I have use light weight FG (single layer) over a kinked tube that was held into proper shape until the epoxy set. I have what I call my "Old Warhorse Mean Machine" that has been kinked in a number of places and fixed in this manner. I even glassed over a broken fin. I kind of see the rocket as a personal challenge to keep it air worthy despite it's propensity to find pavement. A single layer has been all I needed so far.