Elastic Launched Glider B

[Modeldad]

I asked this question on SOINC rules clarification, but have not received a response. The rules state that ballast MAY be any malleable non-metallic substance. We are using a glob of epoxy on the nose of our glider for ballast. The reason being it doesn't dry out like clay and does not deform on impact. Is this legal? My interpretation is that glue is allowed for construction, and I just used a bunch of glue to hold the hook on the nose, and now I don't need additional ballast!

Thanks.

[wlsguy]

My unofficial opinion. Since it is glue it, it should be legal.
My next question is, is it safe?
Obviously you don't want a hard, metal like, lump at the end of something being launched around the room. I think this was the intent of the requirements.

[Skink]

I just wanted to share that I got hit in the head with one of these things yesterday at a competition outside the demarcated event area. It was the most chance occurrence ever because I was a moving target...it was amusing for the people who saw it!

[Modeldad]

Since there is no requirement for the clay ballast to be on the front of the glider (e.g., covering the nose), I'm not sure if safety was the reason for it. The lip balm cap specification prevents sharp noses. My opinion for not allowing metallic ballast is to avoid teams using lead (hazardous substance). Any one have any experience with this in the past?

[dragonmaster57]

Does anybody have any good links for Elastic Launched Glider?

[wlsguy]

Since there is no requirement for the clay ballast to be on the front of the glider (e.g., covering the nose), I'm not sure if safety was the reason for it. The lip balm cap specification prevents sharp noses. My opinion for not allowing metallic ballast is to avoid teams using lead (hazardous substance). Any one have any experience with this in the past?

I can definately say one of the reasons for no metal was to prevent sharp edges, points, pins, etc from being on the glider. Metal can be filed to a sharp edge and still meet the lip balm cap rule and is thereby prohibited. I have used sticky tack (poster putty, fun tack, etc) as ballast. It does not dry out, stays stuck to the glider and meets the ballast requirement. Most dollar stores have it for, well, a dollar.

[Modeldad]

Thanks, wlsguy.

Better safe than sorry, I'll check out the local dollar store.

[jander14indoor]

Does anybody have any good links for Elastic Launched Glider?

There are a lot of VERY good links on the web, not to hard to find with a google search and some already in this string if you go back up.

To get started, here are some for the presentation I give at clinics, some may be repeats from up string.
http://soinc.org/elastic_launched_glider_b
http://www.amaglider.com
http://www.sciencetoystore.com/contents/en-us/p307.html
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=793903
http://www.americanjuniorclassics.com/i ... patent.htm
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Folding ... wn!/1934/1
http://www.amaglider.com/?p=view&a=basi ... techniques
http://legacy.amaglider.com/assets/outd ... iders.html
http://www.amaflightschool.org/diy/how- ... e-olympiad
http://legacy.amaglider.com/assets/intr ... ndles.html
http://legacy.amaglider.com/assets/gene ... aunch.html
http://www.soarmd.org/science-olympiad/11-wright-stuff
http://amaflightschool.org/video/how-fl ... nch-glider

Jeff Anderson
Livonia, MI

[SOCoach]

What is the best method of adjusting the diameter of the circle the plane flies in? We need to make our plane fly in a larger circle. I would assume it involves the horizontal stab?

[bernard]

What is the best method of adjusting the diameter of the circle the plane flies in? We need to make our plane fly in a larger circle. I would assume it involves the horizontal stab?

This video describes one way of adjusting your plane to turn in a circle. I think you would angle the vertical stabilizer more or less to adjust the diameter of the circle.