Download PDF: Handbook of Model Rocketry, 7th Edition - The Ultimate Guide to Model Rocketry by G. Harry Stine and Bill Stine
Handbook of Model Rocketry, 7th Edition (NAR Official Handbook) Download PDF
If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to the exciting hobby of model rocketry, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will introduce you to the Handbook of Model Rocketry, 7th Edition (NAR Official Handbook), a classic book that covers everything you need to know about building and flying model rockets. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find this book useful and informative. You will also learn how to download a PDF version of this book for free.
Handbook Of Model Rocketry, 7th Edition (NAR Official Handbook) Download Pdf
Introduction
Model rocketry is the hobby of designing, building, and launching small rockets that use commercially available engines. Model rockets are typically made of lightweight materials such as paper, plastic, wood, or metal, and can reach altitudes of several hundred feet or more. Model rockets are safe and fun to fly, as long as you follow some basic safety rules and guidelines.
What is model rocketry?
Model rocketry is a hobby that originated in the late 1950s, when a group of amateur rocket enthusiasts decided to create a safer and more accessible way to enjoy rocketry. They formed the National Association of Rocketry (NAR), which is still the largest organization for model rocketeers in the United States. The NAR developed a set of standards and specifications for model rocket engines, materials, and construction methods, as well as a safety code and a certification program for model rocket flyers.
Model rocketry is also an educational hobby that teaches you about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). You can learn about the principles of aerodynamics, propulsion, stability, recovery, and more. You can also apply your creativity and problem-solving skills to design your own unique model rockets. Model rocketry can also inspire you to pursue careers in aerospace engineering, astronautics, or other related fields.
Why is model rocketry a fun and educational hobby?
Model rocketry is a fun and educational hobby because it allows you to experience the thrill of launching your own rockets into the sky. You can watch your rockets soar high above the ground, perform various maneuvers, deploy parachutes or streamers, and land safely back on earth. You can also experiment with different types of rockets, engines, payloads, and launch conditions. You can challenge yourself to achieve higher altitudes, longer flight times, or more accurate landings.
Model rocketry is also a hobby that you can share with others. You can join a local model rocket club or a national organization such as the NAR or the Tripoli Rocketry Association (TRA). You can participate in model rocket competitions and activities, such as altitude records, duration flights, scale models, payload flights, or rocket gliders. You can also attend model rocket launches and events, where you can meet other model rocket enthusiasts, exchange ideas, and have fun.
How to get started with model rocketry?
To get started with model rocketry, you will need some basic equipment and materials. You will need a model rocket kit, which contains the parts and instructions for building a model rocket. You will also need a model rocket engine, which provides the thrust and power for your rocket. You will also need some launch equipment, such as a launch pad, a launch controller, and some igniters. You will also need some tools and supplies, such as glue, scissors, tape, sandpaper, and paint.
You can find model rocket kits, engines, and launch equipment at hobby shops, online stores, or mail order catalogs. You can also find tools and supplies at hardware stores, craft stores, or online sources. You can choose from a variety of model rocket kits and engines, depending on your skill level, budget, and preferences. You can also build your own model rockets from scratch, using your own materials and designs.
Before you launch your model rocket, you will need to find a suitable launch site and check the weather conditions. You will need a large open area that is free of trees, buildings, power lines, or other obstacles. You will also need to make sure that the wind speed is less than 20 mph, the visibility is good, and there is no rain or lightning. You will also need to follow the safety code and checklist for model rocketry, which you can find in the Handbook of Model Rocketry or on the NAR website.
The Basics of Model Rocketry
In this section, we will cover the basics of model rocketry. We will explain the parts of a model rocket, the types of model rocket engines, and the launch equipment and safety rules.
The parts of a model rocket
A typical model rocket consists of five main parts: the nose cone, the body tube, the fins, the engine mount, and the recovery system. Each part has a specific function and role in the flight of the model rocket.
The nose cone
The nose cone is the front part of the model rocket that shapes the airflow around the rocket. The nose cone reduces the drag or air resistance that slows down the rocket. The nose cone can have different shapes and sizes, such as ogive, conical, elliptical, or parabolic. The nose cone can also contain a payload or a device that performs some function during or after the flight. For example, a payload can be a camera, an altimeter, a transmitter, or a science experiment.
The body tube
The body tube is the main part of the model rocket that holds the other parts together. The body tube is usually made of paper or cardboard, but it can also be made of plastic or metal. The body tube can have different diameters and lengths, depending on the size and shape of the model rocket. The body tube can also have multiple sections that are connected by couplers or transitions.
The fins
The fins are the parts of the model rocket that provide stability and control during flight. The fins are usually attached to the lower end of the body tube near the engine mount. The fins are usually made of balsa wood or plastic, but they can also be made of metal or composite materials. The fins can have different shapes and sizes, such as trapezoidal, triangular, rectangular, or swept. The fins can also have different angles and orientations, such as straight, canted, or angled.
The engine mount
The engine mount is the part of the model rocket that holds the engine in place. The engine mount is usually located inside the lower end of the body tube. The engine mount consists of an engine tube, an engine block, and an engine hook. The engine tube is a smaller tube that fits inside the body tube and matches the diameter of the engine. The engine block is a piece of wood or plastic that prevents the engine from sliding forward during flight. The engine hook is a metal clip that secures the engine to the engine mount.
The recovery system
The recovery system is the part of rocket that helps the rocket to land safely after the flight. The recovery system is usually activated by a small charge that is ignited by the engine at the end of its thrust phase. The recovery system can have different types and methods, such as parachutes, streamers, gliders, or helicopters. The recovery system is usually attached to the nose cone or the body tube by a shock cord, which is a piece of elastic or nylon string that absorbs the shock of the ejection.
The types of model rocket engines
A model rocket engine is a device that provides the thrust and power for the model rocket. A model rocket engine is usually made of a solid propellant, which is a mixture of fuel and oxidizer that burns rapidly and produces hot gases. A model rocket engine can have different types and characteristics, such as single-stage, multi-stage, or reloadable engines.
Single-stage engines
A single-stage engine is a type of model rocket engine that has only one propellant charge. A single-stage engine has four phases during its operation: ignition, thrust, delay, and ejection. Ignition is when the engine is ignited by an electric current from the launch controller. Thrust is when the engine burns the propellant and produces thrust for the rocket. Delay is when the engine stops burning the propellant but continues to produce a small amount of smoke and flame. Ejection is when the engine ignites a small charge that ejects the recovery system.
A single-stage engine can have different sizes and power levels, depending on the amount and type of propellant. A single-stage engine is classified by a letter and a number, such as A8-3 or C6-5. The letter indicates the total impulse or the amount of thrust over time that the engine produces. The letter ranges from 1/4A to G, with each letter representing twice the impulse of the previous letter. For example, a B engine has twice the impulse of an A engine, and a C engine has twice the impulse of a B engine. The number indicates the delay time or the time between the end of thrust and the start of ejection. The number ranges from 0 to 9 seconds, with each number representing one second of delay time. For example, an A8-3 engine has an A impulse and a 3-second delay time.
Multi-stage engines
A multi-stage engine is a type of model rocket engine that has two or more propellant charges that are ignited in sequence. A multi-stage engine allows the model rocket to reach higher altitudes and velocities than a single-stage engine. A multi-stage engine has two types of charges: booster and upper. A booster charge is the first charge that ignites and provides thrust for the first stage of the rocket. An upper charge is the second or subsequent charge that ignites after the booster charge burns out and provides thrust for the second or higher stage of the rocket.
A multi-stage engine can have different configurations and combinations, depending on the number and type of charges. A multi-stage engine is classified by two letters and two numbers, such as B6-0/B6-6 or C6-0/C6-7. The first letter and number indicate the booster charge, and the second letter and number indicate the upper charge. The booster charge always has a zero delay time, which means it ignites the upper charge immediately after burning out. The upper charge has a non-zero delay time, which means it ejects the recovery system after a certain time.
Reloadable engines
A reloadable engine is a type of model rocket engine that can be reused by replacing the propellant charge. A reloadable engine consists of a metal casing, a nozzle, a closure, and a reload kit. The metal casing is the outer shell that holds the other parts together. The nozzle is the part that directs the exhaust gases out of the engine. The closure is the part that seals the end of the casing. The reload kit is a package that contains a propellant grain, a delay element, an ejection charge, and an igniter.
A reloadable engine can have different sizes and power levels, depending on the type and amount of propellant. A reloadable engine is classified by two letters and two numbers, such as F39-6T or G64-10W. The first letter indicates the total impulse or the amount of thrust over time that the engine produces. The first letter ranges from D to G, with each letter representing twice the impulse of the previous letter. The second letter indicates the type of propellant or the color and shape of the flame. The second letter can be T for blue thunder, W for white lightning, F for fast black jack, or R for redline. The first number indicates the average thrust or the amount of thrust at any given time that the engine produces. The first number ranges from 1 to 99 newtons, with higher numbers representing higher thrust. The second number indicates the delay time or the time between the end of thrust and the start of ejection. The second number ranges from 0 to 15 seconds, with each number representing one second of delay time.
The launch equipment and safety rules
To launch a model rocket, you will need some launch equipment and safety rules. You will need a launch pad, a launch controller, and some igniters. You will also need to follow the safety code and checklist for model rocketry.
The launch pad
The launch pad is the device that holds the model rocket upright and stable before and during launch. The launch pad consists of a base, a rod, and a blast deflector. The base is the part that supports the weight of the rocket and the rod. The base can be made of wood, metal, or plastic, and can have legs or spikes for stability. The rod is the part that guides the rocket during liftoff and prevents it from tipping over. The rod can be made of metal or fiberglass, and can have different diameters and lengths, depending on the size and weight of the rocket. The blast deflector is the part that protects the base and the ground from the hot exhaust gases of the engine. The blast deflector can be made of metal or ceramic, and can have different shapes and sizes, depending on the type and power of the engine.
The launch controller
The launch controller is the device that provides the electric current that ignites the engine. The launch controller consists of a battery, a switch, a key, and wires. The battery is the part that supplies the power for the launch controller. The battery can be a single or multiple cell, and can have different voltages and capacities, depending on the type and size of the engine. The switch is the part that controls the flow of the current. The switch can be a button, a lever, or a trigger, and can have different modes and features, such as safety lock, continuity check, or countdown timer. The key is the part that activates the switch. The key can be a metal or plastic piece, and can have different shapes and sizes, such as round, square, or hexagonal. The wires are the parts that connect the battery, the switch, and the igniter. The wires can have different colors and lengths, depending on the polarity and distance.
The launch site and weather conditions
The launch site is the place where you launch your model rocket. The launch site should be a large open area that is free of trees, buildings, power lines, or other obstacles. The launch site should also be far away from airports, highways, railways, or populated areas. The launch site should also have a permission from the landowner or authority, and a notification to the local fire department or police station.
The weather conditions are the factors that affect the flight and safety of your model rocket. The weather conditions should be clear, calm, and dry. You should not launch your model rocket if there is rain, snow, fog, or lightning. You should also not launch your model rocket if there is wind speed greater than 20 mph, or if there is wind direction toward any hazard or obstacle.
The safety code and checklist
The safety code is a set of rules and guidelines that you must follow to ensure a safe and successful model rocket launch. The safety code covers topics such as materials, construction, engines, recovery systems, launch equipment, launch site, weather conditions, flight operations, misfires, spectators, and emergencies. You can find the safety code in the Handbook of Model Rocketry or on the NAR website.
The checklist is a list of steps that you must perform before, during, and after each model rocket launch. The checklist helps you to prepare your model rocket and your launch equipment properly. It also helps you to avoid any mistakes or accidents that could cause damage or injury. You can find a sample checklist in the Handbook of Model Rocketry or on the NAR website.
In this section, we will cover the advanced topics of model rocketry. We will explain how to design your own model rockets, how to measure the performance of your model rockets, and how to participate in model rocket competitions and activities.
How to design your own model rockets
If you want to design your own model rockets, you will need to understand the principles of aerodynamics and stability, the tools and materials for rocket construction, and the methods and techniques for rocket assembly and finishing.
The principles of aerodynamics and stability
Aerodynamics is the science of how air flows around objects. Stability is the ability of an object to maintain its orientation and direction. For a model rocket, aerodynamics and stability are important factors that determine how well the rocket flies and how accurately it follows its intended trajectory.
To achieve good aerodynamics and stability, you will need to consider the following aspects of your model rocket design: shape, size, weight, balance, and alignment. Shape is the form and contour of your model rocket. Size is the dimension and proportion of your model rocket. Weight is the mass and distribution of your model rocket. Balance is the location of the center of gravity (CG) and the center of pressure (CP) of your model rocket. Alignment is the arrangement and orientation of your model rocket parts.
The shape of your model rocket affects the drag or air resistance that slows down your rocket. To reduce drag, you will need to choose a shape that has a smooth and streamlined surface, such as a nose cone, a body tube, and fins. The size of your model rocket affects the lift or upward force that helps your rocket fly higher. To increase lift, you will need to choose a size that has a large surface area exposed to the air flow, such as large fins or wings.
The weight of your model rocket affects the thrust or forward force that propels your rocket. To increase thrust, you will need to choose a weight that is light enough for your engine to lift off the ground, but heavy enough to resist wind gusts and turbulence. The balance of your model rocket affects the stability or control of your rocket. To achieve stability, you will need to place the CG in front of the CP, which means that the weight should be concentrated near the nose cone, and the drag should be concentrated near the fins.
The alignment of your model rocket affects the accuracy or precision of your rocket. To improve accuracy, you will need to make sure that all parts of your model rocket are aligned properly and symmetrically. For example, you will need to make sure that the nose cone is centered on the body tube, that the fins are attached at right angles to the body tube, and that the launch lug is parallel to the body tube.
The tools and materials for rocket construction
To construct your own model rockets, you will need some tools and materials. You will need some tools for cutting, shaping, gluing, sanding, painting, and finishing your model rocket parts. You will also need some materials for making your model rocket parts.
Some common tools for rocket construction are: a hobby knife or scissors for cutting paper or plastic; a saw or cutter for cutting wood or metal; a ruler or tape measure for measuring length or width; a pencil or marker for marking lines or points; a compass or protractor for drawing circles or angles; a glue gun or applicator for applying glue or epoxy; a sandpaper or file for smoothing edges or surfaces; a paintbrush or spray can for applying paint or primer; a clear coat or sealer for protecting paint or finish.
Some common materials for rocket construction are: paper or cardboard for making body tubes or nose cones; balsa wood or plastic for making fins or wings; metal or composite for making engine mounts or nozzles; rubber bands or elastic cords for making shock cords or streamers; nylon or silk for making