If you know how thin the metal sheet of a REAL rocket really is, bear
in mind that if you build a paper model in, f.i. scale 1:96 and you use
65 pound paper ( 200 grams...is that 65# ? ), only ONE layer and no
other internal reinforcements, the paper skin will be several times thicker
than the one of the real rocket ( scale wise ) !
Rockets are very fragile things. They need to be launched in a very
smooth, slightly curved arch. If not, then due to aerodynamic loads, the
rocket will simply break and ripped to pieces. And - ofcourse -
this has happened quite often.
A flat piece of paper can not carry much load. But when folded into
specific shapes, such as a cylinder, it suddenly CAN carry a lot of weight !!
Even in scale 1:50, ordinary thin typing paper would be much thicker than
any type of sheet ever used for a rocket. Just take 50 sheets of
standard paper and see how thick it is.......
The one reason why a paper model does need to be strong, is the fact
that the ejection charge is a sudden, powerful blow, on the inside of
the cylinder. Something that does not happen with real rockets.
Unless they explode..........|-)
Cars are built out of very thin, floppy metal sheet. But once those
sheets are pressed onto round shapes, which are later welded together,
are VERY strong structure is obtained.
That's why rockets have ( internal or external ) stringers : long, U-shaped
strips of metal which greatly enhance the structural strength. The best
example is the famous Saturn V rocket.
No.... I am not surprised that paper rockets will do fine and will
survive many launches without any kind of damage. Just as long
as you launch them straight up ! ;-)
Erik.
When the Russians designed the Scud-C- they threw in an extra avionics bay, to increase warhead/flight accuracy, at the top. Real easy- need more equipment? Slap on an extra half meter or so to the missile! Gotta love that sledge hammer technology!
