Model Rocketry Mr. Capella Technology Education

Parts of a Model Rocket n Nose cone n Body tube n Fins n Launch lug

Nose Cone n The nose cone has a very pointy tip n The reason for this pointed shape is to reduce the amount of wind resistance n The pointed shape also allows for increased aerodynamics

Wind resistance & Aerodynamics n Wind Resistance is the resistance too movement caused by an object moving through the air n Aerodynamics is the term used to describe when something is built to allow for even air flow and reduced wind resistance

Body Tube n The body tube is the main housing for all the rockets parts and systems

Model Rocket Fins n The fins are attached to one end of the body tube with glue n the fins help to give the rocket stability in flight n The Alpha kit has three fins

Stability n The ability for the rocket to fly in a straight upward path when it leaves the launch pad n Stability is one of the most important aspects to ensure a safe flight

Model Rocket Launch Lug n The launch lug will be glued at the location on the tube marking guide

Launch Pad n The launch lug of the rocket is slipped onto the launch pole n Make sure the rocket slides easily all the way down to the metal plate n If rocket slides hard on pole check launch lug for obstructions Launch pole Metal plate

Systems of Model Rocketry n Propulsion system n Ignition system n Recovery system

Propulsion System n Model rockets use solid fuel engines for propulsion n The area colored red is for lift off n The blue area is tracking smoke to help measure altitude n Yellow area ejects the parachute

Parts of the Propulsion System n Engine mount tube is light blue n Adapter ring is green n Engine hook

Construction of the Propulsion System n Cut a small slit at one end of the engine mount tube

Construction of the Propulsion System n Insert engine hook into slit in the engine mount tube

Construction of the Propulsion System

Recovery System n The recovery system consists of the parachute and the shock cord n The recovery system allows the rocket to fall at a slower speed and a smooth even pace Shock cord

Nose Cone n This section of the nose cone needs to be cut out to install the parachute and shock cord of the recovery system

Installation of the Recovery System Cut nose cone section 2.Bundle the three parachute cords 3. Feed the shock cord and parachute strings through nose cone and tie into a knot

Ignition System n Electrical launch system n Igniter n Retainer plug

Ignition System Igniter n Electrical connectors are added to both ends of the igniter n Electrical current flows to the pyrotechnic (flammable) material to light the solid fuel engine Electrical connectors

Igniter installation n Insert igniter into small hole of rocket engine n Place yellow retainer plug into hole with the igniter n Push down retainer plug until snug and bend igniter slightly as shown

Final Launch Sequence This devise can be used to measure the altitude of the rocket

n Recovery system n Propulsion system n Ignition system