2 Stage Rocket: Use Masking Tape?

[lakeroadster]

Would you use masking tape between the first and second stage on this rocket?

If yes, where would you put the tape:

• around the body tube
• at the intersection of the fins

What type of tape:

• regular tan colored masking tape
• blue painters tape
• something else

Just as an FYI the fit between the two tubes is snug, but not so tight it will stay in place when holding the upper stage.

Thanks!

 

[kuririn]

1. Do the two motors butt up against each other when loaded? If so then you can just tape them together with cellophane (Scotch) tape.
2. If there is a gap between the motors then putting vent holes just aft of the sustainer nozzle would increase the chances of sustainer ignition by allowing the blowby gasses of the booster to push out the cold air in the gap and allow the embers/hot gasses to reach the sustainer nozzle.
Assumes that the two stages are coupled together?

 

[lakeroadster]

1. Do the two motors butt up against each other when loaded? If so then you can just tape them together with cellophane (Scotch) tape.
2. If there is a gap between the motors then putting vent holes just aft of the sustainer nozzle would increase the chances of sustainer ignition by allowing the blowby gasses of the booster to push out the cold air in the gap and allow the embers/hot gasses to reach the sustainer nozzle.
Assumes that the two stages are coupled together?

Thanks kuririn.

There is a gap, only 1/4". What size vent holes would you recommend?

 

[kuririn]

Don't have a recommendation for the size but here's a technical report by Centuri that invented the Passport staging system:https://www.spacemodeling.org/jimz/tr/tir-123.pdf

 

[kuririn]

Lake, if the gap is only 1/4" I would tape the two engines together and glue a 1/4" wide thrust ring in the back of the booster motor (aft end of booster motor tube). Eliminates the need for vent holes and ensures booster separation without friction fitting.

 

[Nytrunner]

For direct staging with the motors so close together, folks often place the motor block ring aft of the booster motor. That way the booster is in direct contact with the sustainer for thrust and staging purposes, and the motor block aft makes it take the booster away as the ejection kicks it off.