Most of that improvement is due to aerodynamic drag reduction, though; not sticky rails.Well, in contests people prefer launch towers versus a launch rod and lugs to reduce friction. I would assume the same thing applies to rails.
Has anyone noticed altitude differences due to dirty vs clean rails? If do, what impacts have you seen?
More scaleable to treat it as a lesson learned and attempt to duplicate the contest conditions as nearly as possible for practice flights.That's interesting. Maybe the teams should be allowed to bring their own rail.
I have often thought of bringing something out to the pad to give a quick wipe down prior to loading, assuming this process dos not cause delays, such may be the case at a busy event. What do you guys use to get into the channels?I have found the Chlorox wipes can get normally get the worst of the gunk off the rail easily. It's small insurance to bring the container with you and wipe it down before sliding the rocket on.
Actually teams are permitted to bring their own rails or even complete launcher. About a half dozen did so (rails or complete launch systems)More scaleable to treat it as a lesson learned and attempt to duplicate the contest conditions as nearly as possible for practice flights.
Likewise, scotch Brite and WD40. This is the same equipment used at TARC nats.We use steel wool or scotch brite pads and hit it with some wd40.
Then an adjustable tower would be a pretty sensible investmentActually teams are permitted to bring their own rails or even complete launcher. About a half dozen did so (rails or complete launch systems)
I have no data, but I am going to say that there has to be an impact, because I've seen a rocket not be able to leave a cruddy rail.
I've had grungy rails hang a launch, and had them tear up rail buttons to the point that they needed replaced after only two launches. It's been bad enough that I bought a new rail for one club that I launch at on the condition that they throw the offender in the scrap heap.
At BattlePark, our rails are 10 years old. They sit in the field from October to April. I don't know that the TARC teams have had any problems with the rails, but if they want their own pad that is allows. If they want to clean our rails, we supply the green scrub pads and WD-40.Very likely.
Small motors especially like TARC uses, in these contest rockets are very touchy when it comes to excess drag. Such as that from dirty rails.