h a l f b a k e r yThe embarrassing drunkard uncle of invention.
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many a time I have lost model rockets to parachutes that didn't open fully (ok, once). I have an idea to fix this. supplied with the launching mechanism is a van de graff generator, to charge the parachute. lines wrapped around it prevent static repulsion from flinging it open until it is shot out the
top by the ejection charge, then BAM! the parachute, repelling itself, snaps fully open.
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If you put a static charge on an electroscope, you can hold a lighted match near the 'scope to discharge it. The ionization from the flame makes sufficient conductivity in the air to bleed off the static charge. |
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With your model rocket, the same effect will occur with the black-powder ejection charge. You might be able to use the static effect with a non-combusting ejection charge - spring, or CO2, or something. |
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My pet trick is to use a fishing snap swivel to attach the parachute lines to the shock cord. You can easily detach it, and store the parachute separately - unfolded. When you're ready to fly, put a little powder (talc, not cornstarch) on the parachute before you fold it up. The less time the parachute spends folded, the better your chances get. |
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With all the ionized gasses and material expelled out the back at high speed it should be possible to modify the engine in order to generate the static charge desired. |
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Where is Mr. Estes when you need him? |
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Spin recovery is best for light weight rocket models...and I have seen one with a pop out little "maple leaf" helicopter blade that worked amazingly well. Parachutes are far too prone to failure....too many moving parts... |
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Like [lurch] said. Talc your parachute. |
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Also, don't fold your chute. Wrap it around a piece of wadding. Put wadding between the chute and the motor. |
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You might also try a party-decoration streamer for bigger rockets. I think this is frowned upon because it is not really fire-proof, but it works really well. Try putting a little weight on the end to get a shaped parachute wing thing kind of effect. |
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