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Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #608:

RockSim Tips: Accounting for Weight Differences

Peak-of-Flight Newsletter

Say you’re putting a design into the RockSim software. You get to the end and you see that the weight that RockSim predicts and your actual rocket that you’ve built is different. Not only that, but the CG (where the rocket balances) is in a different spot too. What do you do?

This is a common situation, and it seems to cause a lot of confusion. The reason is there are three different ways that you can fix the situation so that your design file matches the real-world rocket.

In this issue, I'll explain the three different methods you could use to correct the mis-match in weights, and which one that I personally use in my designs. The end result is your simulations will be more accurate, and you'll have an easier time picking the right motors for your flights.

Read the rest of this week's article, either on a downloadable PDF for printing out, or on our website (great for viewing on your phone)!

Previous issues of our newsletter are found at our archive page.

 

Tool of the Month Offer

24mm fin alignment guide

 

Newest Products From Apogee Components

Check out the latest products to hit Apogee's shelves!

3" Diameter Rocket
Fin Alignment Guides

74mm Fin Alignment GuideWe have two new fin alignment jigs availble. They both will fit over the 74mm (3-inch diameter) thin-wall body tubes. They are both made from laser-cut cardboard, and are perfect for getting your fins space evenly, and that they are perfectly straight along the tube. The big benefit is that they hold ALL the fins while the glue dries, so you save time during assembly. We have both a 3-fin and a 4-fin alignment guides. If you already have our other sets, you'll need these to add to your collection so your ready to build any size rocket.


Draco Boost Glider

Draco BG swing wing rocket boosted gliderThe Draco BG is an innovative rocket boosted glider inspired by the formidable Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB). At the apogee of the trajectory, the glider jettisons the booster, and unfolds its wings for a majestic glide back to the ground. Its gentle glide will thrill both you and any spectators at the launch.

Draco BGThis is a rocket that you'll be proud to show off, and reveal how it works because the 6-pivot points mechanism is so unique. It's big and flies on 24mm diameter D, E, and F motors. Get one today while we still have them in stock. They won't last long.


Expanding Foam for Rocketry

Pourable expanding foamThis pourable urethane foam allows you to effortlessly fill cavities, reinforce structures, and securely encapsulate components within your rocket. Mix it up, and pour it into the cavity you wish to fill. After a few minutes, it expands up to fill any voids. Then it hardens into a lightweight rigid foam that can be cut, sanded or shaped as desired. Use it to lock through-the-wall fins in your rocket, or to fill parts that feel squishy. It is another indespensible tool for your rocketry workshop. Get some today!


Long - 3" Dia Nose Cone

PNC-74AThe new PNC-74A nose cone was created exclusively for Apogee because  modelers wanted a lightweight and long alternative for 3" diameter thin-walled tubes. This is a 5-to-1 Length-to-Diameter ratio ogive shape, so it is nearly 15 inches long, plus a 3.26" long shoulder on the end. It is made from Hi-Impact polystyrene, so paint will permanently stick to it without flaking off after a hard landing. There is also a heavy duty loop on the back where you can easily attach wide nylon-strap shock cords. Plus there is a groove in the base where you can easily cut off the aft bulkhead to install electronics into the nose and still have the long shoulder. This is packed with a lot of features, so it will soon be your favorite nose cone for mid and high-power rockets. Be the first in your club to get it! 


 

RockSim Live Training - Every Friday

 

Launch of the Week

Draco BG Ascent

During last week's RockSim Live, we input into RockSim the Estes Sidekick rocket. This is a tandum tube design - which is like two independant rockets that are side-by-side. It is a complex design, but is easily doable in the versitile RockSim software. I took that design and uploaded it to the Launch Visualizer so that you could see what it looks like in a 3D flight trajectory. Do you notice anything odd about the trajectory?

Customer Testimonials:Customer Comments

“Thank you again Apogee for another lightening fast delivery. After a number of years this has been so frightfully consistent. It's just awe inspiring and reflects what a tight ship Apogee runs. Thank you to the entire staff at Apogee as it continues to be a real pleasure in dealing with you! Take care, stay well and prosper.”

--   Steven Bolin

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