On TRF, sooner.boomer posted the question:
Parachute-How Big, Too Big?
How can I find the minimum weight for a given diameter chute (assuming a spherical chute)?
Race58 gave these links:
By Jordan Hiller
http://www.rocketreviews.com/descent-rate-calculator.html
By Jordan Hiller
http://www.onlinetesting.net/cgi-bin/descent3.3.cgi
By Randy Culp
http://www.rocketmime.com/rockets/descent.html
OK...
ReplyDeleteI finished my Mini Mosquito with MMX guts (Still needs paint) and looks great with micro parts, especially the tiny launch lug next to the fin. I was thinking streamer, but then I saw this post. So I put in the numbers and came out with a 3 inch diameter hexagonal parachute for this rocket. I think I'll make it with white trash bag, dental floss, and dot reinforcements. Or at least try to. Fingers crossed it works. I think it will because I left the nose cone open and used an Estes style attachment to adhere the Kevlar string to the inner part of the nose cone - using P3 Super glue.
OMG a 3" chute is so cute, but does not look like it will do much. Though I did a toss test over grass and I have to say, it kind of worked. I'd say at least as well as a streamer. Though perhaps 4.5 inches would deploy better. With MMX Guts and an open nose cone it's like a cavern in that mosquito.
ReplyDeleteAs always thanks for the great links and everything you do for the hobby! I would not be experimenting like this with out them.
ReplyDeleteHi Scott,
ReplyDeleteI don't think they were thinking 3" parachutes when they put together the descent rate calculators.
A 6" chute came with the Dr. Zooch Stick kit. Even that seemed too small for me.
On the Mini Mosquito you might be best served with a streamer or just "nose-blow" recovery.
You are right. I've tosses tested the little chutes and I just added a .67" wide by 9" long streamer made of caution tape and it's the clear winner. That cheap caution tape flutters like a champ coming down and I've been real happy with it.
ReplyDelete