Questions about a mylar chute

[mv1371]

I am building a Launch Pad Type 30 which came with a mylar chute.

1. Is wadding still required?

2. Do I still need to use talcum powder?

3. The material is really "crinkly" and kind of stiff. Is this going to cause problems when I fold the chute, or is there a special folding technique for mylar?

 

[rcktnut]

Just my personal opinion, do yourself and your rocket a favor and replace the chute with a nylon one. You do need wadding, don't know for sure if talcum helps or not on mylar. Don't use 'em.

 

[les]

Yes you need wadding.

You don't really need talcum powder, but having it in the chute to come out and create a "puff cloud" can help you see it.

I found you can use the same packing technique as a plastic chute

 

[Pat_B]

Spend some time crinkling the chute so that it is more flexible. Then, sprinkle with talcum powder and rub it into the creases. Yes, you still need wadding.

 

[powderburner]

These other guys are right on the mark, you definitely need flame-resistant ejection wadding

Even if the mylar were flame-proof, you still have to protect the shroud lines and the shock cord. They don't like to face burning BP either.

Mylar is just another plastic. It might melt at a different temperature than the other vinyl (or whatever) parachute materials but it is still well within the temperature range that the ejection charge reaches. Even for a quick flash of exposure, enough heat can easily be delivered to do major damage to the chute. (Note: heat energy and temperature are not quite the same thing.)

If your mylar is too stiff you can try ordering some bulk mylar or some pre-made chutes from several of our vendors. The stuff sold for rocketry is probably a little thinner than others. And if you go to your local sporting goods store (Academy, Sports Authority, even the sporting goods section of W-Mart) you can probably find a "space blanket" for emergency survival---this thing will unroll to around five feet by six or eight feet and is usually made from thin aluminized mylar that works great for chutes and streamers.