|
1.
Question: Can we use paper clips? Or does that count as a "pointed metal
component"
Answer: Yes, you can use a paper clip. Just make sure you don't "sharpen" the
ends and it is not touching the pressurized bottle.
2.
Question: The rules state that "Rocket components may separate in flight,
but must remain linked together". Does this mean they may spate after landing?
(e.g. a fin breaks on impact, etc.)
Answer: Yes. Upon impact, the flight is over. Separation of items from the
rocket upon impact with the ground, even though they are not linked together,
should not be cause for penalty or for being ranked in a second tier.
3.
Question: Does this rule make it illegal to use duct tape, masking tape,
and all other types of tape on the pressure vessel?
Answer: No, you may use tape. Generally you may do anything that is not
specifically prohibited by the rules, is not a safety hazard and does not
violate the spirit of the problem. I see no language that would preclude the use
of tape as long as the adhesive on the tape does not alter the structural
integrity of the bottle.
4.
Question: Does "water/air combination provided by the judges" mean that
the judges will dictate how much water is added to the rocket, or does that just
mean that the judges will provide the water?
Answer: The contestants must use the air and water source provided by the
judges. They may use as much/little water as they desire.
5.
Question: Can I use a parachute?
Answer: Yes. See paragraph 1)h.
6.
Question: If the cone extends out over part of the bottle does the
extension count as "slowing the rocket's descent."?
Answer: Although it may "slow the rocket's decent", it is not a form of
"potential or kinetic energy" so the rule is not violated.
7.
Question: If the team leaves the label intact for the pressurized bottle
do they still have to bring a second bottle for verification?
Answer: Yes: Paragraph 1)c. requires a second bottle to be impounded. There is
no exemption for the requirement if the label on the rocket is intact.
8.
Question.....: Can the bottle rocket recovery device be parachutes?
Answer: This question is answered by paragraph 1)h of the rules.
9.
Question: Can we use parts from a bottle kit on our rocket?
Answer: If by "bottle kit" you mean parts from a company that is selling a kit
designed to transform a plastic soda bottle into an air pressure launched bottle
rocket, then no, you can not use them.
10.
Question: Does super glue REALLY melt the rocket and make it explode?
Answer: Yes, super glue (CA) chemically reacts with the plastic and makes it
weaker and less flexible.
11.
Question: What is the maximum diameter that a parachute can have?
Answer: There is no mention in the rules of any limit on the size of the
parachute, however, remember that in Rule 1e) "the maximum extended length of
the rocket and its components shall not exceed 3 meters."
12.
Question: Is the carbon dioxide caused by a combination of baking soda
and vinegar considered a pressurized gas?
Answer: Yes, it is a gas and to be useable, it must be under pressure. Therefore
is a "pressurized gas".
13.
Question: Is plumbers GOOP an acceptable adhesive for attaching fins? I'm
not sure if its polyurethane based or not, but it doesn't weaken the pressure
vessel and it's much easier to work with.
Answer: If it "doesn't weaken the pressure vessel" as you stated, it would be
allowed under "others that do not damage the structural integrity of the
pressure vessel" in the last sentence of paragraph 1)b.
14.
Question: Are the bottle rockets required to have a parachute?
Answer: No.
15.
Question: what type of recovery device will not slow the rockets descent?
Can a parachute work for this?
Answer: I believe you are misreading the rule. Recovery devices may be used to
slow the descent of the rocket. Other forms of potential/kinetic energy may not.
The other forms of energy may be used to deploy the recovery device. For
example: energy stored in a rubber band could be used to unfold wings or open a
nose cone to deploy a parachute, but it could not be used to turn a propeller to
slow the rocket's descent.
16.
Question: Are there any required fields needed for the log. e.g. time,
weight, material used, etc.
Answer: The only requirements for the log are what are specified in the rules.
The purpose of the log is to show you are following some method and for you to
use as a tool for improving the performance of your device.
17.
Question: Rule: 1h-Any free-fall recovery system is allowed; however, the
recovery system must be judged as safe. Are parachutes considered to be
free-fall recovery devices?
Answer: The words "free fall" do not appear in the rules. Paragraph 1)h, in
part, states: "Rockets may use any type of recovery device (including
parachutes)". Parachutes should be allowed as long as they do not violate other
rule requirements.
18.
Question: Paragraph 1)h says that any type of recovery device that is
safe and doesn't violate rules may be used. Can we use balloons as recovery
device?
Answer: Assuming you intend to use balloons filled with a "lighter-than-air"
gas, the answer is no. Please refer to paragraph 1)g.
Printer Friendly Adobe® PDF Version
 |
