Model Rocket Stabilization

[Rocket Maker]

Hello everyone,
I am making a model rocket and want it to be as stable as possible I was wondering what is the most effective stabilization method for a small model rocket. I was thinking of spin stabilization.

 

[Vanadium 50]

"Stabilization" means many things to many people. Stabilization against what exactly?

You also need to think about all aspects of the flight - if it is spinning like crazy, how do you recover it?

 

[Rocket Maker]

i just wanted to make it go straight up and down in the shortest amount of time

 

[FactChecker]

I think that is the simplest way. Most NATO tank guns are no longer rifled with groves to put a spin on the shell. They are smoothbore. Instead, the shell has fins that give it a spin. You could try putting a little twist in the fins.

 

[Vanadium 50]

i just wanted to make it go straight up and down in the shortest amount of time

Then you don't want to be putting energy into spin and not thrust.

Have you ever built a model rocket? Do the terms center of gravity and center of pressure mean anything to you?

 

[Filip Larsen]

For model rockets using fins for spin stabilization of the velocity vector is by far the simplest approach as it more or less cancels out asymmetric thrust. By placing large enough fins near the rocket exhaust end you can ensure both to limit spin rate (due to drag) and keep CP (center of pressure) behind CG (center of gravity) for the unpowered segment in case your spent rocket wants to otherwise glide tail first.

For practical tips I can recommend the oldie "Handbook of Model Rocketry" by G. H. Stine.

 

[Rocket Maker]

This is one of my first model rockets I do understand the center of gravity but I was worrying about being top-heavy because we are trying to get eggs up and down.

 

[FactChecker]

This is one of my first model rockets I do understand the center of gravity but I was worrying about being top-heavy because we are trying to get eggs up and down.

Depending on how you propel this rocket, it seems like this could be dangerous. If it starts to tilt, there is no telling where it might go. Better duck.

 

[Vanadium 50]

@FactChecker you want the CG above the CP.

OP, I suggest you:

• Build some kits. If you can't build it, or build it well enough, the best design in the world won't help you.
• Fly some rockets. See what they actually do do, compared to what you expect.
• Read up on the physics of rocket flight, for example, the book recommended by @Filip Larsen
• Consider all aspects of the flight. Scrambling the egg on recovery is no better than scrambling it on launch.

 

[FactChecker]

Is this an Estes rocket kit or something equivalent?
One of those pressurized water rockets would be safer.
In any case, a grocery store-bought chicken egg seems pretty large and heavy. How big is this planned rocket?

 

[Rocket Maker]

are you familiar with the American rocketry competition

 

[Rocket Maker]

@Vanadium 50 thank you for the adivice

 

[FactChecker]

are you familiar with the American rocketry competition

No. I just looked it up. Wow! I have nothing to offer. I'm out.

 

[James Halifko]

I always kept the overall model rocket in careful balance, even while taking in account of glue and paint. The fins are carefully planed sanded and sealed. (been many years now I worked on them for our children when they were young I hope the thought helps you - all ours worked well except when ther went too far down range and were a challenge to locate.)

 

[Rocket Maker]

@James Halifko Thank you. and do you have suggestions on how to make sure everything is even

 

[berkeman]

@James Halifko Thank you. and do you have suggestions on how to make sure everything is even

Do you have a Rocket Club near you that can help Mentor you in your new hobby? If you are in the US, for example, you can search on local clubs via this helpful website:

https://www.nar.org/find-a-local-club/

 

[Rocket Maker]

Thank you and I found a club near me.

 

[Rocket Maker]

I will sea if I can contact them

 

[Vanadium 50]

It's good you found a club. You might start by writing down the decisions you will need to make, how you propose to get the information to answer them, and this can serve as a basis for discussion.

For example, lets say the rules require you to use a C6 engine. They come as C6-0, -2, -3, -5 and -7. Which do you want? And why? And how do you decide? You likely have dozens of such questions.