kramer714
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2009
- Messages
- 1,182
- Reaction score
- 644
For ROCTOBER, the ROC October Launch at Lucerne Dry Lakebed in California, I was thinking of putting together a few things that may be helpful for TARC teams. I just wanted to ‘feel out the waters’ to see if this sounds helpful. Here are my thoughts,
1) Engine test stand.
A simple stand for 24/29mm motors. The test stand would be able to monitor the load/vs time plus track the exact time of the delay relative to the thrust. My plan it to get a few (maybe 5?) motors of the EXACT same kind, try to get ones from different lots or date codes and run the test. Let the teams get a feel for the statistical variation of the motors thrust and delay. Any motor manufactures willing to support his test by supplying motors?
2) Test Flight.
Take a TARC representative rocket kit (about the same size and weight as a 2011 TARC rocket). Have all the information available ahead of time so a detailed ROCSIM model can be developed by the teams. Have good launch site data available (exact altitude, barometric pressure, winds launch rod length, etc), and let them try to predict the altitude. Launch the SAME rocket 3-5 times maybe using the same motor a few flights and then change the motor for another flight.
3) Chute.
Using a rocket with a payload bay, launch a 15" parachute with a weight on it that is similar to the weight of a TARC rocket. Try to go to a TARC representative altitude. Using the altimeter in the rocket and a camera try to determine the exact time it takes for the chute to land from a known altitude. The weight could be low drag (I was thinking a Racquetball filled with sand to get to the right weight. Again, using whatever calculations or modeling, try to predict the time. Maybe launch different style 15" parachutes.
Any other thoughts? Any Southern California TARC teams that may be interested?
1) Engine test stand.
A simple stand for 24/29mm motors. The test stand would be able to monitor the load/vs time plus track the exact time of the delay relative to the thrust. My plan it to get a few (maybe 5?) motors of the EXACT same kind, try to get ones from different lots or date codes and run the test. Let the teams get a feel for the statistical variation of the motors thrust and delay. Any motor manufactures willing to support his test by supplying motors?
2) Test Flight.
Take a TARC representative rocket kit (about the same size and weight as a 2011 TARC rocket). Have all the information available ahead of time so a detailed ROCSIM model can be developed by the teams. Have good launch site data available (exact altitude, barometric pressure, winds launch rod length, etc), and let them try to predict the altitude. Launch the SAME rocket 3-5 times maybe using the same motor a few flights and then change the motor for another flight.
3) Chute.
Using a rocket with a payload bay, launch a 15" parachute with a weight on it that is similar to the weight of a TARC rocket. Try to go to a TARC representative altitude. Using the altimeter in the rocket and a camera try to determine the exact time it takes for the chute to land from a known altitude. The weight could be low drag (I was thinking a Racquetball filled with sand to get to the right weight. Again, using whatever calculations or modeling, try to predict the time. Maybe launch different style 15" parachutes.
Any other thoughts? Any Southern California TARC teams that may be interested?
Last edited: