Re: Rocket Stick Length

Pyrotechnica #10 has an extensive fifteen page article (including
diagrams) on this subject titled "Rocket Stability" by Frederic
Lienhard. Also in this issue is Takeo Shimizu's twenty eight page
article on microstars. We have ONE copy left (photocopy reprint,
produced by the publisher). A real bargain @ $15.00, including postage
in the USA.
Mail check, money order PAYABLE TO PYROTECHNICA PUBLICATIONS to:
Lightning Pyrotechnics
3392 HWY-249
Brownsville, MN 55919
Thankee!
Ken
LadyKate wrote:
The biggest rocket motors I make are four pounders. However:

Rough examples:

1. Dan Thames was using a stick that looked a little over six feet long
at PGI (for 6 lb rockets).
2. Dan McMurray was using a 12" swizzle stick for a 1/2 pounder
3. I watched others with sticks for the bigger motors that varied from
a little over 4 feet to more than six feet (some wouldn't fit the
standard launch racks).

Obviously, for the big motors, make sure the stick will withstand the
forces and isn't too flexible. Generally, a stick that is six times
the motor length puts you in the ball park but many will argue with
that (including some pretty successful rocket makers). Steve LaDuke
engages in a somewhat funny dialogue with the audience in his hybrid
rocket video - the question about stick length is asked and he said
that he just picks something that looks right (or words to that
effect). The sticks he was using were certainly short by any rule of
thumb.

The addage of balancing just behind or in front of the nozzle is also
used and argued.

I have been using 3 foot sticks on 1 pounders with nearly straight
flights (straight up). The rules say the sticks are too short but the
reality is that they fly very well even in slight winds.







jj wrote:
Hello,

Could somebody tell me the approx stick length needed for a 6lb rocket.

Thanks,

JJ

.

Relevant Pages

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