Clear Fins for Scale Model Rockets

[mike_bar]

I would like to add clear polycarbonate fins to scale model rockets with body tubes of sizes BT-5, BT-20, BT-50.

What is an appropriate thickness for the plastic fins?

0.050 inch (1.25 mm)
0.040 inch (1.00 mm)
0.030 inch (0.75 mm)
0.020 inch (0.50 mm)

One online vendor is hobbylinc.com

A sampling of Lexan sheet is found here: Lexan Sheets by RJSpeed

Thank you for your help.

Regards,
Mike

Lexan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hobbylinc Hobbies

 

[FROB]

Like for most things in life, i'd say it depends....
what size fins, motor, total weight, parachute ?
Polycarbonate (lexan) is nearly unbreakable but very flexible for the thickness compared to other materials like G10.
At higher aspect ratios and speeds, that makes it particularly susceptible
to fin flutter. if you round or airfoil the leading edge, that helps.

all those sizes would do fine in most cases for low power, but assuming typical fin proportions on your BT50 , i'd probably go for 40 or 50 thou at the higher end of your stated range, and the thinner ones on the BT5/BT20.

 

[mike_bar]

Like for most things in life, i'd say it depends....
[Snip]

Yes, I made a general statement/request that is not very clear.

I meant to say low power rockets of typical model rocket size with black powder motors like Estes or Quest, A through D or E.

Lighter weight models as they will be constructed of paper or model rocket components with card details.

I appreciate your input and ideas. Thanks.

Mike

 

[Micromeister]

Mike:
the Thickness required will depend entirely on the actual size and weight of the completed model.
Personally I use all the sizes you listed plus .010", .063" and .080" on some larger clustered 3, 4 & 5 motor D-12 Upscale and Oddroc. 13mm and 18mm models "generally" .020"- .030" depending on the overall size and shape of the fins.
18mm and 24mm .030-.063" again depending on the size and shape.
Here are a couple examples.
Hope this helps.

 

[mike_bar]

13mm and 18mm models "generally" .020"- .030" depending on the overall size and shape of the fins.
18mm and 24mm .030-.063" again depending on the size and shape.
[Snip]

Thank you John, this does help.