rocketsam2016
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I could have sworn there was an interesting discussion a while back about the differences between putting a rocket above or below the rail when the rail is angled, but I can no longer find it.
So, I know it doesn't make a big difference, but I'm interested in hearing what reasons there might be for preferring it one way or the other.
Off the top of my head:
Are there any meaningful reasons to prefer over vs under? Any existing discussion of the physics of this question?
So, I know it doesn't make a big difference, but I'm interested in hearing what reasons there might be for preferring it one way or the other.
Off the top of my head:
On top of the rail:
- Less likely to rip the rail buttons off when loading/sitting on the rail
Underneath the rail:
- Maybe will bend the rail less during takeoff? In my head it feels like the rocket will be trying to bend the rail down, but the thrust of the motor will apply a torque that will bend the rail up, and maybe these offset?
- Less likely to rip the rail buttons off when loading/sitting on the rail
Underneath the rail:
- Maybe will bend the rail less during takeoff? In my head it feels like the rocket will be trying to bend the rail down, but the thrust of the motor will apply a torque that will bend the rail up, and maybe these offset?
Are there any meaningful reasons to prefer over vs under? Any existing discussion of the physics of this question?