McKailas Dad
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2010
- Messages
- 1,577
- Reaction score
- 2
I see the Estes kits I've assembled have 1/8" balsa fins. (ok, mic'd at .10) I see some of the HPR guys are using 1/2" plywood. Is there a general rule of thumb for how thick the fin should be? Obviously to be thick enough not to flutter, but not too thick for extra weight and drag. I would also figure the smaller the total area of fin, the thinner it could be made?
How do balsa, basswood and polycarbonate(Lexan) strengths compare? Example; Is 1/8 balsa equal to 3/32 basswood? Does 1/8 balsa = .040 Lexan? .060? Is .080 Lexan overkill for LPR? I just found G-10 sheets way down to 3/64! For what?
I haven't yet tried 'papering' any of my fins. I understand the reasons for doing balsa this way, but is it worth it to paper basswood? It seems like a tight enough grain already...
Sorry, I'm rambling...:caffeine:
Ok, one more (for now)... Are polycarbonate fins and/or BT's considered a 'polished' finish in Sims (OpenRocket)?
Thanks in advance,
~Jeff
How do balsa, basswood and polycarbonate(Lexan) strengths compare? Example; Is 1/8 balsa equal to 3/32 basswood? Does 1/8 balsa = .040 Lexan? .060? Is .080 Lexan overkill for LPR? I just found G-10 sheets way down to 3/64! For what?
I haven't yet tried 'papering' any of my fins. I understand the reasons for doing balsa this way, but is it worth it to paper basswood? It seems like a tight enough grain already...
Sorry, I'm rambling...:caffeine:
Ok, one more (for now)... Are polycarbonate fins and/or BT's considered a 'polished' finish in Sims (OpenRocket)?
Thanks in advance,
~Jeff