Query about high-performance design

I'm in the very beginning of planning a high performance rocket, based on an
H650 or I700 motor system, and am quite concerned about airframe failure.
I'm wondering at what point people start reinforcing airframes, and the
benefits of different materials. From what I've read, anything approaching
mach needs to be reinforced with fiberglass, at a minimum. What about
effective gravity? I mean, at what point does reinforcement become
"mandatory"? 35 Gee? 50 Gee?

My first estimates suggest that this rocket will pull about 40G, but if I
shrink the rocket a bit (a distinct possibility, chasing mach....) it could
easily hit 65G+.

I can see several different solutions. Obviously, buy fiberglass airframe
tubing, and work from that. Are there different types of tubing? Any dealer
recommendations? Any specific problems working with the product for a 3FNC
thru-the wall rocket? I've worked with G10 finstock quite a bit, and suspect
the material would be similar. (fins would likely be 3/32" G10, FWIW)

Reinforcement of phenolic tubing is also in mind. I've looked at
Aerosleeves, and like the look of the product. I'm particularly thiking in
terms of carbon fibre, but wonder if that is overkill? Also, I read that
fiberglass creates a product somewhat more flexible that CF. Does this
matter?

Because I like to putter and have people willing to teach me the process,
I'm leaning towards reinforcing an existing phenolic tube, so I'll ask-- any
airframe tube preferred for this purpose? I've used mostly flexible phenolic
from Red Arrow, so my exposure to other brands is limited.

Any "DON'T do this" comments?

I'm still scanning the web, looking at what other folks have done, but
figured I'd tap the expertise in here as well.

TIA

Kevin OClassen
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Query about high-performance design
    ... > H650 or I700 motor system, and am quite concerned about airframe failure. ... > My first estimates suggest that this rocket will pull about 40G, ... Are there different types of tubing? ... > I'm leaning towards reinforcing an existing phenolic tube, ...
    (rec.models.rockets)
  • Re: Query about high-performance design
    ... and am quite concerned about airframe failure. ... You have to decide if your fiberglass airframe will weigh ... >My first estimates suggest that this rocket will pull about 40G, ... >I'm leaning towards reinforcing an existing phenolic tube, ...
    (rec.models.rockets)
  • Re: top ten reasons therell be faster progress
    ... But even with the industry in its embryonic state, ... One non-trivial side effect of the Rocket Racing League, ... market has the potential to be viable before the airframe market is. ... Some of the current airframe builders are willing to sell rather than ...
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    ... section to facilitate replacement of the forward airframe if ... switched from one rocket to another as needed. ... Sometimes I've taken a fin can that has intact fins but suffered some ... airframe damage, stripped it down to motor mount and fins, and built a ...
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