Rocketeer from Utah.

Hi everyone! I’m new to composite central! I joined because want to expand my knowledge of making and using composite parts, specifically parts for my hobby.

My hobby is high-powered rocketry. High powered rocketry is like model rocketry on steroids. The motors are much larger and more powerful, many motors can easily push a rocket faster then the speed of sound (761mph). With great power comes great building challenges, which is why I want to expand my knowledge of composites. Many composite parts are used in my hobby, nose cones, fins, body tubes (airframes). However, most of these are usually purchaced from a vendor. I want to begin making my own. I have already dipped my feet into composites, creating this rocket: The Shockwave 29: It’s 1.27in wide, 25in tall and will fly to 5100feet at 1000mph next August.


Body tube is 3 wraps of 5.7 oz 2x2 twill CF
Fins are 12 layers of 6oz fiberglass with 2 outer layers of 2x2 twill
Nose cone is fiberglass one from a vendor.

Hopefully I’ll learn a lot more techniques and tips on how to produce a smoother, stronger product.

Alex

Welcome to the forum you definatly came to the right place. Sure hope you post some videos of your rockets in action. There are other members that are Rocketeers on here. One that comes to mind is Tbone, he did a great job of posting progess of his work here. Not sure if these are the right threads from him but I think they are. First on is about tubes, and second is about infusing fins.
http://www.compositescentral.com/showthread.php?t=3715
http://www.compositescentral.com/showthread.php?t=4549

There are good threads on bladder moulding too around here. The search function at the top of the page along with the tags are your friend!

Anyways Welcome again! Let us know what you need help with.