edwardw
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- Jan 9, 2004
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So I was in Home Depot and I saw some 3/4 PVC end plugs and some 3/4 couplers. Lightbulb came on. If I glue one plug into the coupler, then leave the other free, it could be pushed out by a charge. To keep it from moving though I need shear pins. So I bought two couplers and four plugs. Got home and glued a plug into the coupler. Then I sanded the other plug until it was a very nice and smooth fit. Then I drilled four hole for 1/16" Styrene rod to act as a shear pin. I've used this rod before on rockets for nose cones. Then I needed a way to attach the whole assembly to my bulkhead on my e-bay. I went and drilled a 1/4" hole through the end where the plug was glued. Then I ran a 1/4-20 bolt through the bulkhead and secured it. At the top I needed a connection point to secure the drogue to the rocket. I found a 1/4 cable crimper - a mini u-bolt. I put that in the other plug that is free to go where it wants. I assembled the unit and tested with 1/2g of 3F. BANG. That little piece sure gets going quick! I had it tied town and it went zooming into a tree and I had to pull it down. This was with all 4 shear pins in place. I'm hoping to static load it later, but I have to go get a bigger water jug to fill up.
Now for the obligatory picture....
Edward
Now for the obligatory picture....
Edward