3D Design Contest - OverTheTop - 4" Nosecone

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OverTheTop

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4" 1/2 Scale Nike Apache Nosecone

This is my entry for the 3D Design Contest. It is a 4” nosecone for an Apache, as part of a half-scale Nike Apache project I have been going at for a few years. The NC curve is modeled from “Rockets of the World” by Peter Alway.

This is designed for a StrataSys 1200es printer we have at work and it prints in ABS in my case. Build volume for the part expects 300mm for the NC. It does expect to be able to use support material where needed in this CAD configuration.

Mated1.png
mated2r2.png
NCCouplerInsideViewr.png
NCCouplerSection.png
NCCouplerSideView.png
NCRearView.png
NCSection.png
NCWithSled.png

Some salient points are:
  • Bayonet fitting with reinforced locking ramps
  • Alignment of the NC over the coupler
  • Shear-pin holes
  • PCB retention, with screwdriver access holes.
  • Designed for standard 4” airframe
  • Reinforcing ribs on the base and in the NC
  • Access holes for RBF pin switches are also altimeter breather ports
  • PCB sled is designed for 54mm birds and has mounting holes and web support. The outer part of the design can be changed to make 75mm, 54mm, or whatever diameter nosecones to fit the sled.
  • Lots of fillets to mitigate stress raisers
  • Designed for minimal mass (that I think I can get away with ;))

Build thread here for the Nike Apache for more details if you are interested
https://forum.ausrocketry.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5019

Quite a few flights solo also.
https://forum.ausrocketry.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5940

It is also my go-to NC for everyday flying, and has just seen duty flying on the Velociraptor R
https://forum.ausrocketry.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1782&start=60
as a test platform for my VTS.
https://forum.ausrocketry.com/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=5324

Enjoy! If anyone needs a format other than the STEP files I have provided, please let me know. It is in SolidWorks currently.

Share and Enjoy!
 

Attachments

  • Apache4InchNCBaseWhole.STEP
    4.2 MB · Views: 3
  • ApacheNosecone2.STEP
    957 KB · Views: 2
I have managed to keep Catzilla at bay for long enough to get this posted. I will also throw onto this thread the 3" NC and base when I get a chance for anyone who might want to use it. That keeps everything in the one place.
 
Here is what the 3" version looks like. I will upload the CAD files in the next day or so.
This is for the skinny payload bay version, typically with the turnstile antenna.

Base.png
Collar.png
Cone.png
The collar and cone join to make the removable outer.

This NC takes the same sled as the 4" version.
NCAssembled.JPG
Just needs a coat of paint and an aluminium tip turned to the correct angle o_O.
 
So, so you machine an aluminum tip for it. Have you tied to print one out of exotics such as silver or aluminum colored ASA or PETG?
 
So, so you machine an aluminum tip for it. Have you tied to print one out of exotics such as silver or aluminum colored ASA or PETG?
No. I think the strength is needed.

If I did this one again I would make the Al tip a little shorter. It just worked out that length based on build height for the printer.
 
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