OddRocs - Ramblin' Rocket Clubrocket.gtorg.gatech.edu/files/slides/Odd-Rocs.pdf · shapes or...

OddRocs

You built what?!

What is an OddRoc?

•  Odd Rocket •  Refers to any rocket with a nonstandard

(ie – non-cylindrical) body shape •  May also describe rockets with complex fin

or nose cone shapes •  Could also describe rockets with blatant,

intentional asymmetry •  Sometimes used to describe a real-life

object turned into a rocket

Elements of an OddRoc

“Crooked” airframe

No two fins are alike

Asymmetric nosecone

Staggered fins

Elements of an OddRoc

R2-D2

Fins are here

FlisKits

Rocketarium

Designing OddRocs

•  Difficult to model because of odd geometry •  Important to use large fin area to pull CP

backward – CP is difficult to determine with odd body

shapes or fin shapes •  Important to add weight to nose/fore

section to pull CG forward

Designing OddRocs

•  Don’t be afraid to overbuild – Aerodynamic forces and moments will likely

be higher than normal in strange directions •  Be prepared to defend the safety of an

OddRoc •  Building big? Build a subscale model first.

– And fly it on a small (low power) motor

Imagine…

Materials for OddRocs

•  Boxes •  Bottles •  Cans •  Traffic cones •  Sports equipment •  Statues •  Plates and cups •  Waste bins

•  Lawn decorations •  Umbrellas •  Children’s toys •  Anything that comes

to a point

A Note on Safety

•  Note that many OddRoc materials are heavy or have a non-intuitive C.G.

•  Remember the High Power/Model Rocket Safety Code – Restricts types of materials used (metals) – Restricts weight for LPR applications

•  Don’t under-power any OddRocs

The OddRoc Design Philosophy

The OddRoc Design Philosophy