[Not displaying correctly? View web version.] | Peak-of-Flight Newsletter #611: | How do you run a complicated launch simulation of a multistage rocket that has flip-out fins? This is difficult to do, because with flip-out fins, the actual configuration of the rocket changes during the flight. At launch, the fins of the upper stage are stowed inside the rocket and don’t contribute to the stability or the drag to the rocket, since air is not flowing over them. But when the booster stage drops away, the fins flip out and then they do provide stability to the model. How do you account for this in your simulations? That is what I’m going to cover in this article. I’ll give you a step-by-step process for accomplishing this advanced simulation using the Launch Visualizer. Also in this Issue: Halloween Paint Scheme for A Popular Rocket Are you searching for a quick Halloween project? We've got an idea for you: transform the Atomizer kit into a flying Jack-O-Lantern! Simply print out the Halloween-themed artwork from the newsletter and use it to give the kit a spooky but festive makeover. It's a fun and easy way to create your very own Halloween Rocket that can be done on short notice. | 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. |
Check out the latest products to hit Apogee's shelves! Kronos Rocket | Are you searching for a rocket that can use 29mm diameter F through H size motors? Here is a burly ship that flies on those economical F motors, but then you can put a high-power motor into it occasionally for an all-out thrilling flight. This is the Kronos model rocket kit! Standing at an impressive 51 inches tall and boasting a commanding 3-inch diameter, the Kronos is a masterpiece of design and engineering that will transport you back to the golden era of rocketry while igniting your sense of wonder and adventure. Be the first person in your club to have this formibable rocket kit by getting one today! |
3" Diameter Rocket Fin Alignment Guides | We have two new fin alignment jigs available. 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 spaced 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 you're ready to build any size rocket. |
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| Flip-out Fins Launch Simulation Finding the performance of a rocket with flip-out fins requires running two simulations. The second is the upper stage alone where the fins come out to stabilize the vehicle. This week's "Launch of the Week" is actually one of the simulations from the article about simulating flip-out fins. In this launch, the upper stage of the rocket begins its flight where the first stage has just dropped off. The flip-out fins have deployed, and the rocket is heading for a spectacular flight. Check it out by clicking on this link. |
Customer Testimonials: "I first discovered Apogee Components through their many helpful guide videos on YouTube. Rocketry supplies are fairly limited here in England, so I decided to take a look at Apogee in the US. They have a great array of products, as well as information on how to use/build/install them with guidance on what else you might need with it. All the information on their website was very helpful, as well as the video series on how to build the rocket. One thing that I found which clearly sets Apogee Components apart from other websites is the level of detail and information when choosing something to buy. For example, just below the rocket on the page there were links to other useful things I would need for it, such as the exact recommended motor retainer etc. The postage cost is high for my location, however I found that it is well worth it. Package arrived in less than 8 business days from the US to England which was faster than I was expecting. The rocket was packaged very well so that it was protected and arrived in great condition. I will happily place another order once I have completed building this one!" -- James (U.K.) | |
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I'm now actively seeking writers for articles to appear in this newsletter. And I want unique and cutting-edge articles because that is what you want to read, right? I realize this, so to get articles from outside writers that have the same level of quality, I'm going to have to pay a lot of cash to make it worth it for them. So I've come up with a compensation package where I'll pay up to $350 for good how-to articles. Are you a writer, and does that interest you? That is a lot of cash! Far more than you'll get by writing for other magazines. And with over 23,000 worldwide subscribers, if you write for the Peak-of-Flight Newsletter, you'll gain a lot of notoriety. Writing for the Peak-of-Flight Newsletter is a great way to show off your rocketry projects and your technical expertise, at the same time as helping out other rocketeers. Imagine how great you'll feel knowing that you made a difference to the hobby. If you're interested in writing, see the guidelines on our site. | |
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