Super-Roc Duration

« Duration Events

"A" Super-Roc Dur by Chris Flanigan OVERVIEW
The objective is to make a very long rocket that also has a very long duration. The models must not crimp or fall apart during boost. For the full rules for this event, please see the Super-Roc Duration rules in the Model Rocket Sporting Code.

SCORING
Each flight is scored separately. Each flight is scored as the length (within the min/max limits) times the duration (in seconds). Highest score wins.

STRATEGIES
There are two strategies for Super-Roc duration. One strategy is to go with a minimum diameter (and minimum length) model to achieve the best altitude, then use a modest size parachute that will fit in the small diameter tube. The other strategy is to go with a larger diameter tube that will sacrifice some altitude but will have internal volume for a large parachute. A combination approach is to have a base section that uses a large diameter for a large parachute. This section is topped with a long “spike” made from small diameter body tubes. The challenge for this approach is to keep the “spike” from crimping or buckling during ascent. It is a good idea to simulate various lengths of Super-Roc and calculate the score to see if you should build for minimum length, maximum length (or build both and try). The best strategy may vary depending on the motor impulse class. Recent R&D work has shown that Super-Roc crimping can be caused by aeroelastic divergence.  A new computer program called FlexRoc can be used to estimate the failure speed of Super-Roc models. See the article by Chris Flanigan for more information.

MOTOR SELECTION
For most events, single motors work best. Like most altitude events, low thrust motors will usually produce higher altitudes than high thrust motors, but the models can be heavy enough that they need some ‘oomph’ to get off the pad. There are events where clustering several motors can be advantageous if there are no good motors available, such as using two F10 motors for G Super-Roc Altitude.

KITS
–Tall Boy by Aerospace Speciality Products

PLANS AND ARTICLES
See the Super-Roc Altitude page for additional information and articles.