Modular rocket test launch
-
- WRA2 Member
- Posts: 1087
- Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2012 2:47 am
Modular rocket test launch
Did a test launch of a modular rocket the other evening.
The configuration was 7l total. 2 2l and 2 1.5l all joined with 1/2"cpvc couplers. Attached USWR box fins with VHB double sided tape.
I set the pressure at only 35psi for this test as I wanted to validate whether NBR (falling with style) recovery would work for a larger rocket.
The result was a bit unexpected- what looks like close to 100ft apogee on 35psi. Luckily was able to get it off my neighbor's roof.
The NBR recovery seems to be working so next step is to add the altimeter.
[youtube][/youtube]
The configuration was 7l total. 2 2l and 2 1.5l all joined with 1/2"cpvc couplers. Attached USWR box fins with VHB double sided tape.
I set the pressure at only 35psi for this test as I wanted to validate whether NBR (falling with style) recovery would work for a larger rocket.
The result was a bit unexpected- what looks like close to 100ft apogee on 35psi. Luckily was able to get it off my neighbor's roof.
The NBR recovery seems to be working so next step is to add the altimeter.
[youtube][/youtube]
Bugwubber
Team S.P.E.W.
Team S.P.E.W.
-
- WRA2 Member
- Posts: 1087
- Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2012 2:47 am
Re: Modular rocket test launch
Guess I should run the simulator first next time. Forgot about this link. http://polyplex.org/rockets/simulation/
Bugwubber
Team S.P.E.W.
Team S.P.E.W.
-
- WRA2 Member
- Posts: 112
- Joined: Sun Feb 24, 2013 12:40 am
Re: Modular rocket test launch
Great launch! Was this your biggest rocket to date? I can't wait to see the rocket fly at full pressure. Do you have a problem with small couplings and a large nozzle?
Blog:http://rrockets.blogspot.com/?m=1
Email: reptiglorandrockets@gmail.com
Visit Reptiglorandrockets on YouTube!
Facebook: Randy Truman Jr.
Email: reptiglorandrockets@gmail.com
Visit Reptiglorandrockets on YouTube!
Facebook: Randy Truman Jr.
-
- WRA2 Member
- Posts: 74
- Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2013 6:00 pm
Re: Modular rocket test launch
Nice night launch. Looking forward to see it at daylight.bugwubber wrote:Did a test launch of a modular rocket the other evening.
The configuration was 7l total. 2 2l and 2 1.5l all joined with 1/2"cpvc couplers. Attached USWR box fins with VHB double sided tape.
I set the pressure at only 35psi for this test as I wanted to validate whether NBR (falling with style) recovery would work for a larger rocket.
The result was a bit unexpected- what looks like close to 100ft apogee on 35psi. Luckily was able to get it off my neighbor's roof.
The NBR recovery seems to be working so next step is to add the altimeter.
ptx
-
- WRA2 Member
- Posts: 1778
- Joined: Sat Feb 03, 2007 3:24 pm
Re: Modular rocket test launch
That video turned out pretty well for such a low light launch! Looks like it was really be spectacular at full pressure!
Team U.S. Water Rockets
Visit USWaterRockets.com
Visit our Blog
Tune in to our YouTube Channel
Visit our Facebook page
Visit our Twitter Page
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. --Thomas Edison
Visit USWaterRockets.com
Visit our Blog
Tune in to our YouTube Channel
Visit our Facebook page
Visit our Twitter Page
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. --Thomas Edison
-
- WRA2 Member
- Posts: 1087
- Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2012 2:47 am
Re: Modular rocket test launch
Thanks. I suppose Something Wicked was the largest for me. 16l, double nozzle rocket ski.Reptiglorandrockets wrote:Great launch! Was this your biggest rocket to date? I can't wait to see the rocket fly at full pressure. Do you have a problem with small couplings and a large nozzle?
I think what hindered performance on Something Wicked was 1. use of bottom to bottom couplings and 2. the use of lamp rods for all the couplings including the lower ones that water had to pass through.
1/2" CPVC has an internal diameter of .602" or just over 15mm. I'm guessing that lamp rod has an internal diameter of 7.5mm.
So I'm just thinking that if I fill water above the first coupling- say 3 liters, that the rocket may get a bit of a "ramp up" effect to full thrust. That said, 15mm is more than adequate so it should still be a fast launch.
Bugwubber
Bugwubber
Team S.P.E.W.
Team S.P.E.W.
-
- WRA2 Member
- Posts: 1087
- Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2012 2:47 am
Re: Modular rocket test launch
Actual measurements are 12mm id for CPVC and 7mm for lamp rod.bugwubber wrote:Thanks. I suppose Something Wicked was the largest for me. 16l, double nozzle rocket ski.Reptiglorandrockets wrote:Great launch! Was this your biggest rocket to date? I can't wait to see the rocket fly at full pressure. Do you have a problem with small couplings and a large nozzle?
I think what hindered performance on Something Wicked was 1. use of bottom to bottom couplings and 2. the use of lamp rods for all the couplings including the lower ones that water had to pass through.
1/2" CPVC has an internal diameter of .602" or just over 15mm. I'm guessing that lamp rod has an internal diameter of 7.5mm.
So I'm just thinking that if I fill water above the first coupling- say 3 liters, that the rocket may get a bit of a "ramp up" effect to full thrust. That said, 15mm is more than adequate so it should still be a fast launch.
Bugwubber
Bugwubber
Team S.P.E.W.
Team S.P.E.W.
-
- WRA2 Member
- Posts: 1087
- Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2012 2:47 am
Re: Modular rocket test launch
nunopt wrote:Nice night launch. Looking forward to see it at daylight.bugwubber wrote:Did a test launch of a modular rocket the other evening.
The configuration was 7l total. 2 2l and 2 1.5l all joined with 1/2"cpvc couplers. Attached USWR box fins with VHB double sided tape.
I set the pressure at only 35psi for this test as I wanted to validate whether NBR (falling with style) recovery would work for a larger rocket.
The result was a bit unexpected- what looks like close to 100ft apogee on 35psi. Luckily was able to get it off my neighbor's roof.
The NBR recovery seems to be working so next step is to add the altimeter.
Thnanks! Unfortunately it turned out to be really windy Sunday so no launches this weekend.
Bugwubber
Team S.P.E.W.
Team S.P.E.W.
-
- WRA2 Member
- Posts: 442
- Joined: Mon Apr 09, 2012 3:49 pm
Re: Modular rocket test launch
I would like to know how you made CPVC couplings to connect the bottles.
-Blenderite
Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/Blenderite
"Get it right, then go for GREATNESS!"
Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/Blenderite
"Get it right, then go for GREATNESS!"
-
- WRA2 Member
- Posts: 1087
- Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2012 2:47 am
Re: Modular rocket test launch
Here's a crude drawing of it. It is essentially taking the build process of the O-Ring Launcher tube that USWR published but instead of adding an o-ring, you sandwich a bottle and cap in it.DogLover wrote:I would like to know how you made CPVC couplings to connect the bottles.
I'll write up a little how to and post it in the tutorials section.
Bugwubber
Bugwubber
Team S.P.E.W.
Team S.P.E.W.
-
- WRA2 Member
- Posts: 400
- Joined: Tue Jan 30, 2007 8:16 pm
Re: Modular rocket test launch
Is that going through the thick plastic of the bottle bottom? That should be very strong and resist flexing if it does.bugwubber wrote:Here's a crude drawing of it. It is essentially taking the build process of the O-Ring Launcher tube that USWR published but instead of adding an o-ring, you sandwich a bottle and cap in it.DogLover wrote:I would like to know how you made CPVC couplings to connect the bottles.
I'll write up a little how to and post it in the tutorials section.
Bugwubber
-
- WRA2 Member
- Posts: 1087
- Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2012 2:47 am
Re: Modular rocket test launch
Yes a 5/8" hole through bottom center. Had a bit of inspiration hit today. I was able to build and test a new coupling the same day. Will do some more testing before I post the change.U.S. Water Rockets wrote:Is that going through the thick plastic of the bottle bottom? That should be very strong and resist flexing if it does.bugwubber wrote:Here's a crude drawing of it. It is essentially taking the build process of the O-Ring Launcher tube that USWR published but instead of adding an o-ring, you sandwich a bottle and cap in it.DogLover wrote:I would like to know how you made CPVC couplings to connect the bottles.
I'll write up a little how to and post it in the tutorials section.
Bugwubber
Bugwubber
Bugwubber
Team S.P.E.W.
Team S.P.E.W.
-
- WRA2 Member
- Posts: 1778
- Joined: Sat Feb 03, 2007 3:24 pm
Re: Modular rocket test launch
bugwubber wrote: Yes a 5/8" hole through bottom center. Had a bit of inspiration hit today. I was able to build and test a new coupling the same day. Will do some more testing before I post the change.
Bugwubber
Cool! That sounds interesting.
Team U.S. Water Rockets
Visit USWaterRockets.com
Visit our Blog
Tune in to our YouTube Channel
Visit our Facebook page
Visit our Twitter Page
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. --Thomas Edison
Visit USWaterRockets.com
Visit our Blog
Tune in to our YouTube Channel
Visit our Facebook page
Visit our Twitter Page
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. --Thomas Edison