Quik-Tube (4' sections, nominal 8" diameter) with nosecone. The tube on the left has had its outer glassine peeled off (a great alternative to sanding!).
Fin material test: two pieces of 1/16" copper-clad G10 fiberglass, sandwiching a 3mm layer of Cellfoam. Note the retained curve after being stressed at about 30 pounds for several seconds
Fin material test: two pieces of 1/16" copper-clad G10 fiberglass, sandwiching a 3mm layer of Cellfoam.
Fin material test: two pieces of 1/16" copper-clad G10 fiberglass, sandwiching a 3mm layer of Cellfoam. Note the retained curve after being stressed at about 30 pounds for several seconds
The fin material finally split along the vise jaw after 4 alternating bends. This material was the most flexible of the ones tried, but it was also the toughest.
Nomex honeycomb. Didn't even register on the scale before it had split along the vise jaw.
Nomex honeycomb. Didn't even register on the scale before it had split along the vise jaw.
Plywood. This was very stiff and almost lasted as many cycles as the copper-clad fiberglass / Cellfoam sandwich.
Outside fin sandwich pieces cut from copper-clad G10 fiberglass. Cut using Chris' shear, which worked beautifully.
Fin after being edged with 1/4" oak dowel. This makes it a little more aerodynamic, but also protects the inner layer of Cellfoam.
Fin can after fins and centering rings have been epoxied on.
Fiberglassed fin roots. This really just keeps the fins from popping out.
Fin can / motor mount after installing it into the aft airframe section. Fin slots had already been cut, epoxy fillets applied at fin roots, and the fin can was locked into the airframe section with epoxy fillets on top and bottom (along with this new layer of fiberglass).
Aft section at the field. It is somewhat pink because the fairing mixture is purple, and I then coated it with a couple of coats of pigmented white epoxy.
Mounting the altimeters to the airframe.
Adam's sock air-drying after he had to walk through a stream.
Laying out the sections of the rocket and bunching up the shock cord.
Aft section of the rocket with rail buttons and motor installed.
Preparing the ejection charges (using the dowel to compress some wads of paper towel down over the powder and electric matches).
Nosecone with its parachute attached. This chute is actually a little big for the weight of the nosecone.
Note the parachute deployment bag at the left (dark green, with a light green part of the chute showing through). Thanks Jim!
