Mr. Bartel's Comments and Concerns

This is an email Mr. Bartel sent to me a week ago. Everyone please read this and pay close attention especially if it has anything remotly to do with your job. If you have any questions or comments on this, do comment please.

-Serena

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Here are a few things that I will mention to you that I have concerns about:

1) I don't think that the Estes engines are going to get the team where it needs to be - to much variability in the propellent mass, nozzle dimensions (not sure if this is a factor), and especially the delay timing. Also we are going to be pushing the ability of this engine to get us the extra 50 m.

2) The options are to go with an 'E' sized engine from Aerotech (which might have the same issues) or to use an 'E' reload-able engine.

3) Would the team consider a electronically controlled ejection timer? Currently the engine has a delay built in and then burns a little more propellant to pop the parachute. I think the built in delay has too much variation. We could build an ejection system based on commonly available parts. I stumbled across a web-site that could be adapted to provide a safe way to generate ejection gasses fired electronically -

http://sci-toys.com/scitoys/scitoys/thermo/thermo2.html

I would have to work with the person responsible for this, but ultimately, they would make design choices and built the system.

4) I think the team ought to consider having the booster separate from the payload section for recovery. The rules say that this is acceptable, and the time is based on the part of the rocket that carries the egg. Our last flight separated on accident and the booster section tumbled down undamaged while the payload took too long to get down due to less weight. If we design it this way, I think that there will be less variability in the dynamics of the descent so we should be able to be more consistent. The payload and parachute can be exactly the same for each flight - no variation in weight.

5) We ought to try to find a balance for weighing the rocket and components - more precise. Along with this we need to consider some kind of field table that can be leveled and possibly shield against wind.

6) I would like the team to buy a composite launch rod (much like an untapered fishing pole). This will be straighter and resist permanent bends - unlike the current rod. Here is a link.

http://www.graphitestore.com/itemDetails.asp?item_id=1069&prd_id=96&cat_id=34&curPage=2

We need to check the rules to see what the length requirement of the actual rod will be (we might be able to get away with the 6' length, but we could go for the 12' length and trim to size if needed). When we go to Va, we could take the rod with us ensuring a consistent drag due to the launch rod.

The Real Deal

This is the job master list. Enjoy. :D

Launch Operations - Sarah
Data Retrieval - Joe
Flight Performance - Andrew
Vehicle Design & Integration - Joey
Propulsion - Shelby
Recovery - Amanda
Safety & Quality - Charris
Manufacturing - Joseph
Ejection - Joe/Serena
Supervisor - Serena (duh)

TO BE DONE BY NEXT TUESDAY TO PRESENT TO CLUB:

MANDY - Ejection Decision (or "do we want the electric ejection thing or not? other possibilities...?")
SHELBY - Propulsion Analysis (or "what sort of engine do we want? pros and cons of each..?")
CHARRIS - DVD from Shayne (doesn't necessarily have to be got by next club, but you do need to get this done asap)
SARAH - Basic Plan Thing
JOEY - see above

Jobs

I've sent out an email on jobs, but I'll post it here as well.

I basically stole this list from last year. We still need these roles filled. I'm not including the payload protection person, becasue we have a working model that I think we were all extremely pleased with. Please tell me what you would like to do before Tuesday so we can talk about this. My notes are added in parenthesis at the end.

1. Launch Operations-this person is responsible for making sure that all items necessary for flight (test flights and qualification/competition flights) are packed and ready. He also supervises rocket preparation to make sure nothing is forgotten. Checklists must be developed to accomplish this which include the task description and who is to perform the action. They may ask someone to bring something, but they need to verify that it isn't forgotten. This also includes delegating someone to retrieve the rocket and to make sure that participants know the rules relating to their tasks so that all requirements for the flight operations are met. (I'm thinking this isn't a really time consuming job, so the person who does this will most likely be asked do something else as well. On the other hand, if you don't really have time for anything but a small job, this is the thing you for.)

2. Data Retrieval and Analysis - This person is responsible to make plans for recording flight duration, arming the altimeter, and retrieving barometric data from the altimeter. This person also accurately records payload and vehicle weight and the engine type before a given flight. He also maintains a log book of all the flights and configurations of the project so that data can be easily accessed as needed. This person is also responsible to recruit observers who can officially record the qualification attempts per the competition rules. Also records temperature and barometric pressure at launches to determine the impact of atmospheric density.

5. Flight Performance - Maintains design and simulation files to guarantee that the vehicle will hit the target altitude at the flight weight. Verifies that proper stability is maintained. Determines how much ballast must be added to the vehicle if required due to being assigned a smallish egg. Tries to anticipate the effects of cross-winds and determine the appropriate launch angle if needed. (Combine this Launch Operations perhaps?)

6. Vehicle Design and Integration - Receives inputs from team members regarding their needs. Makes decisions as to what vehicle configuration will best accommodate all requirements and will be durable enough to fly multiple times. Ensures that the altimeter is mounted correctly to give accurate results. Finds parts to build the rocket. Maintains a parts list and tracks cost of the rocket. Oversees assembly. (This person is going to have to do some serious research on rocket engines, Mr. Bartel had some concerns)

7. Recovery - Reviews various parachute configurations and defines a plan to characterize parachute performance. Selects the parachute to use during qualification and competition flights. (Another job that is going to really involve some research. Last years parachute did not work really at all. Mr Bartel told us to think about using an electric ejection thingamabob)

8. Safety and Quality - Reviews design and flight operations for conformance to NAR Safety Code. Verifies that spectators are not interfering with the team during preparation and launches. Reviews project for conformance to competition rules. Involved with rocket assembly to make sure that construction is sound.

9. Manufacturing - Reviews design to make sure that the rocket can be assembled. Primary assembler even though the entire team should be participating. Stores vehicles in a safe manner between flights. Orders parts and supplies to make sure that the rocket can be built on time.

Hey Gang

It's a new year and another TARC challenge! This is the official Rocketry Blog, so you all are going to need to bookmark it or make it your home page or something. :D I will try to post all messages and agendas and whatnot here. Right now I can only post messages on this blog (Joe, please log on and make me moderator!!!), but once I get clearence from Blogger to change the HTML I'm going to add the Google Calender I made to this page. For now the calender can be accessed here. I'm going to call Mr. Bartel today or tomorrow and work out with him exactly what steps need to be taken to get this ball rolling. I'll post further developments.
-Serena