I do a lot of "what ifs" using various designs in Open Rocket and typically I'll search the internet for a sim file of the rocket I'm interested in, or a similar rocket that I can modify. When using a sim made by someone else what types of things should I look for to verify the accuracy of the file? I fought with one sim file to get it to be stable and then I realized that someone had overridden the CG location. No matter what I did I couldn't get it to be stable with the CG location too far back. When I finally corrected that it worked fine. Besides stability, what types of things could be hidden in a file that would affect the altitude predictions?
problems to look for in open rocket sims?
- Thread starter bjphoenix
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Mass overrides have bitten me
Scott_650
Well-Known Member
“Ghost” parts with the mass set to any non-zero number can give you unexpected results. I always click through all the components and make sure all the ghost parts are configured correctly.
astronwolf
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"Accuracy" of the file? Accuracy, compared to what?
Downloading someone's Open Rocket file off of the internet, like on Rocket Reviews, the only accuracy I am looking for are major dimensions and fin planform. That's because I'm interested in a rocket design, like wanting to clone an old kit or something. I scrap just about everything else - all the whistles and bells that someone stuck on there.
The accuracy comes in when building MY prototype using an Open Rocket file. I weigh the components as I add them to the model. I build it up weighing as I go - airframe, nose cone, fins, motor mount, etc. I scratch build certain model rockets that way. Only that way do I get an "accurate" model. And my sims carry more meaning than if I was just playing with a model someone else wrote.
