Rocketry Glossary

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Maximum Weight

Generally used as t' maximum weight o' a rocket for a specific motor and delay. This is based on t' thrust curve and average thrust o' a motor. Avast, me proud beauty! T' main objective is t' have t' rocket travelin' at a velocity where t' aerodynamic forces produced by t' fins are suffficient t' keep t' rocket pointed in t' intended direction. When it is windy t' angle o' attack o' t' fins is nay zero and under some circumstances where t' thrust t' weight ratio is low and t' velocity is too low, t' fins will stall and t' rocket will do funny things. Underpowered rockets may pinwheel in t' air in moderate crosswinds. Avast, me proud beauty! A good rule o' thumb is a 5:1 thrust t' weight ratio on windless days, shiver me timbers, and a 10:1 ratio on a windy day. Avast! Also t' longer t' launch rod, me hearties, t' higher t' allowable weight all other factors bein' equal. Aye aye! See also Stability and EMRR's Maximum Liftoff Weight Calculator


   

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