Rocket Cars

Synopsis

This project will involve creating a set of rules and guidelines for HSL-sponsored Rocket Car races (fiascos?).

A typical rocket car consists of

1. A model rocket engine
   1. Typically, a C6 engine is used.
   2. Whether or not to use an engine with the parachute charge is up for debate. On one hand, not having a small explosion at the end is safer, but we could have a lot of fun watching cars inadvertently explode :)
2. A car or some other wheeled vehicle
   1. In the cheapest and jerry-rigged fashion, a Hot Wheels car and a zip-tie were used.
   2. In a more elegant and creative fashion, custom vehicles are designed.
   3. Pinewood Derby cars might be a good place to start.

For the sake of public safety, some form of track should be used.

1. Guides
   1. Single Guide-wire
      1. This allows the cars to stay on a straight line.
      2. If the car is imbalanced or too small, it can spiral around the wire.
   2. Double Guide-wire
      1. Prevents spiraling while the car is in motion
      2. Adds extra friction and ability for the car to jam, if a car's connectors aren't aligned properly
   3. Material
      1. Wire. Durable, fairly rigid, and won't burn up from the exhausts
      2. String. Cheap, easily replaced. Flammable.
2. Mounting
   1. 2x4 start and finish lines
      1. dirt cheap, and easy to work with
   2. L-Brackets for suspending the guides
      1. metal, sturdy, easily attached to 2x4s
      2. Doubles as a blast plate at the starting line
   3. Eyehooks
      1. Small, cheap, easy to tie things to.
      2. Does nothing to contain exhaust at launch time.