mh9162013
Well-Known Member
I'm thinking about my next project and I'm thinking building a minimum diameter rocket that uses 18mm BP engines. Right now, I'm looking at an Estes Yankee, Wizard or Viking (or all 3!). Anyways, one of my concerns is what to do if the engine gets stuck.
One thing I thought of was moving the engine block (thrust ring) back towards the end of the rocket maybe an extra 3/8" or so. So the 18mm engine sticks out the back about 5/8" or 3/4" instead of 1/4" or 3/8". The goal of doing this is to reduce the chances of the engine getting stuck and increase the chances of removing an engine that gets stuck. I figure less surface area inside the rocket b/w the engine and the rocket body tube can achieve this goal. Another benefit is more room for a payload, baffle and/or parachute (instead of a streamer)
I can see 2 potential drawbacks, however. First, it'll lower the rocket's center of gravity. Second, it might reduce the rocket's aerodynamics.
My question is: are there any other drawbacks or disadvantages to this approach that I may be missing?
One thing I thought of was moving the engine block (thrust ring) back towards the end of the rocket maybe an extra 3/8" or so. So the 18mm engine sticks out the back about 5/8" or 3/4" instead of 1/4" or 3/8". The goal of doing this is to reduce the chances of the engine getting stuck and increase the chances of removing an engine that gets stuck. I figure less surface area inside the rocket b/w the engine and the rocket body tube can achieve this goal. Another benefit is more room for a payload, baffle and/or parachute (instead of a streamer)
I can see 2 potential drawbacks, however. First, it'll lower the rocket's center of gravity. Second, it might reduce the rocket's aerodynamics.
My question is: are there any other drawbacks or disadvantages to this approach that I may be missing?