One thing that interests me, as a dad with little guys, is fun rockets that go slow enough for the boys to keep track of and watch the whole flight.
This leads to rockets that are light and high drag, and a search for long burning motors so the WOW factor is extended.
I know that 50fps or 35mph off the launch rod is considered a safe rod exit velocity to get the rocket flying.
Is there a point where a rocket becomes stable enough that this speed could be lower and still have a safe bet of exiting the rod without going sideways?
It seems a slow rocket with high stability would need very light wind so it doesn't cock sideways as soon as the wind comes a little sideways.
But given that light wind condition, could it work out OK to use, say, big fat fins and a 4:1 stability?
Just have the wheels spinning in my head, wanting to maximize the fun and minimize the risk.
This leads to rockets that are light and high drag, and a search for long burning motors so the WOW factor is extended.
I know that 50fps or 35mph off the launch rod is considered a safe rod exit velocity to get the rocket flying.
Is there a point where a rocket becomes stable enough that this speed could be lower and still have a safe bet of exiting the rod without going sideways?
It seems a slow rocket with high stability would need very light wind so it doesn't cock sideways as soon as the wind comes a little sideways.
But given that light wind condition, could it work out OK to use, say, big fat fins and a 4:1 stability?
Just have the wheels spinning in my head, wanting to maximize the fun and minimize the risk.