estimating parachute volume

[JonSivier]

Are there any tips or techniques for estimating how much space is needed for the recovery system (parachute, shock cord, wadding and/or chute protector) when designing a new rocket from scratch? I'm guessing it would be an iterative process. You would design the rocket in Rocksim or OpenRocket and get an estimate of the mass, then figure out how large your parachute, etc. needs to be and work out how much space it will take. If there isn't enough room in the rocket as currently designed you increase the volume available, get a new estimate of the mass, figure out the new parachute and so on. The simulation programs do a fair job and giving you an estimate of the rockets mass, so is there any method suggested for guessing at the volume needed to hold the parachute and everything else?

Jonathan
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Jonathan Sivier
jsivier AT illinois DOT edu
NAR #56437 | Tripoli #1906
Home Page: https://www.sivier.me/

 

[RainierWolfcastle]

PML have a table on their site that gives you the estimated length required for their parachutes in various tube diameters, gives you a good starting point for how much room you need.

 

[dhbarr]

Fruity does the same, as I recall.

 

[JonSivier]

Thanks. I'll check them out.

Jonathan