HELP NEEDED ASAP COMP NEXT WEEK

[sciolynoob]

Hi,
We have some questions, our comp is next week. First off, our parachute isn't deploying properly. It gets stuck inside the cone. Even if it comes out, it still doesn't release. We are folding it into thirds right now. In addition, we are struggling with fins. What size is optimal? All the results are really inconsistent. Finally, does a funnel facing up with a cone on top of it fit the rules?


Thanks

[EKT26]

From one noob to another

Don’t use folds. We had release issues too with folds). The industries that use folds have parachutes deploying at much higher falling velocities and would only work at ridiculously high competitions (Cornell)

I would not use a nose cone. Again it’s just another complication used in different contexts.

Honestly idk about fin-size but if your bottles have launching stability issues fins are an easy way to make them bottom heavy. Fins should definitely not come out more than a bottle’s diameter.

The idea with the tube and the upside down thingamabob is legal. (#1 Most Important Tip For any event: Know your rules!)

[megrimlockawesom]

Hi,
We have some questions, our comp is next week. First off, our parachute isn't deploying properly. It gets stuck inside the cone. Even if it comes out, it still doesn't release. We are folding it into thirds right now. In addition, we are struggling with fins. What size is optimal? All the results are really inconsistent. Finally, does a funnel facing up with a cone on top of it fit the rules?


Thanks

I know it's probably too late for you but for fins, I would make multiple rockets for different sets of fins and see which one works best.

What do you mean by "it gets stuck inside the cone" what kind of design are you using?

[LisaKAPham]

Honestly you really don't need fins. You also really don't need to fold the parachute just place it on the bottle. Finally DONT put something on top of your parachute. it won't be able to open.

[sciolynoob]

Hey guys,
Thanks for all the help!! With help of the wind, we got first place!! We ended up using triangular fins and just put the parachute in, without folding it. We got 33 seconds in NorCal, so outside.

[xiangyu]

Hey guys,
Thanks for all the help!! With help of the wind, we got first place!! We ended up using triangular fins and just put the parachute in, without folding it. We got 33 seconds in NorCal, so outside.

Waaiiittt, the event was held outside? I thought it has to be indoors hmmm . 33 seconds sounds pretty good, how high did you launch your rocket? (since it's outside...)

Xiangyu

[sciolynoob]

Since NorCal has liability issues, ping pong parachute is held outdoors. This should only be for NorCal though. As for the height, I don't remember, but it was around 30 feet I think. We most definitely were not the highest that day.

[builderguy135]

Hey guys,
Thanks for all the help!! With help of the wind, we got first place!! We ended up using triangular fins and just put the parachute in, without folding it. We got 33 seconds in NorCal, so outside.

Waaiiittt, the event was held outside? I thought it has to be indoors hmmm . 33 seconds sounds pretty good, how high did you launch your rocket? (since it's outside...)

Xiangyu

Don't take this too seriously, it's likely not as impressive as it seems. I once saw a parachute fly away after launching it outside (I have videos lol). Also, there's no height limit either

[CookiePie1]

honestly, launching outside is so inconsistent and very susceptible to changing winds and other factors. There's also the risk that it will rain (like in NJ 2017 states)

[sciolynoob]

honestly, launching outside is so inconsistent and very susceptible to changing winds and other factors. There's also the risk that it will rain (like in NJ 2017 states)

There was a div b team whos ping pong parachute got blown upwards and it went over the street bc of wind lol