Model Rocketry - Science/Nature for Kids - Science

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About Dave Landgraf
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I will be happy to take on questions about low-power rocketry in general, including rocket design, operating characteristics of blackpowder motors, low-power motor selection, rocket construction, aerodynamics, parachute and streamer duration competition, boost glide (and a little rocket glide), egg loft, altitude competition, and scale competition. I can help you with Barrowman stability calculations, but I am not a rocksim user. I know the basics of mid-power rocketry and small composite motors but I don't fly them much (I'd rather stretch my money by sticking with low-power). I believe I can explain many concepts in a way that just about anyone can follow (and maybe even over-explain?). I absolutely do not mind "newbie" questions one bit; the only bad question is the one you don't ask!

Experience
I have flown model rockets for some 40 years, including a few early years of NAR competition. I have been active at the local club level as well as in the NAR. I enjoy designing and developing unconventional designs (the kind of thing you look at and say "it won't fly!").

Organizations
National Association of Rocketry

Publications
Model Rocketry (magazine)

Education/Credentials
I am an aerospace engineer who has worked professionally in the field for over 30 years. I have worked often with local school, church, and scout groups to lead introductory build-n-fly sessions.

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Questions Answered By Expert Dave Landgraf
In Category Model Rocketry

Subject	Date Asked

Wire Gauge	11/14/2009
Q: What is the gauge of the estes igniter. The larger side pieces. Or What is the best gauge to use ... A: I don't have information handy on the size of the side conductors, but the Estes-type igniters ...
rocket nozzle	10/27/2009
Q: I made a rocket nozzle with PVC end cap with pop(plaster of paris) filled in for converging and ... A: Veerendra, It sounds like you have started a very ambitious experiment. I hope you are using good ...
Bottle Rockets: Fin Location V. Altitude	10/9/2009
Q: How does the fin location of a bottle rocket affect the altitude of an one? ... A: Dev, I am guessing that when you say "bottle" rocket you mean the kind made from a big plastic soda ...
rocket matirails	9/28/2009
Q: what are som good materials ror body tubes and fins out of commen household items? A: You can make your own body tubes from several different paper materials, and a few plastic ones. If ...
rocket homemade launch pads	8/30/2009
Q: Dave, for Cub Scout pack in arlington Tx, do you have plans for making the pad and the electronic ... A: Tim, I believe there are plans for a simple launcher on the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) ...
Hey	7/31/2009
Q: I was wondering, where can i buy cheaper A6-4 rocket engines? I love to launch rockets but its ... A: Manufacturers of model rocket kits are usually pretty good about giving you several rocket motor ...
Hey	7/30/2009
Q: I was wondering, where can i buy cheaper A6-4 rocket engines? I love to launch rockets but its ... A: Everyone would like to know where to buy motors at lower cost! It is going to take a little looking ...
Launch Sites in Fort Worth	7/19/2009
Q: Dave, In searching the web, I came across a post where you were looking for launch sites near Fort ... A: I am really sorry to have missed your question. I sure don't want you to feel ignored! If you live ...
Model Rocketry	6/23/2009
Q: How does weight effect altitude on rockets, and can you give me sites pertaining to your answer or ... A: In general, a heavier rocket moves more slowly and does not fly as high as a lighter rocket when ...
Hey	6/19/2009
Q: I was wondering, where do you buy A6-4 Rocket engines? Cheaper Online its around 5.50-6.00$ Where do ... A: Alex! Prices on model rocket motors have been increasing recently in many parts of the country. ...
Starter	6/18/2009
Q: hey! I'm starting model rockerty And i was looking at some rockets and stuff This is what for sure I ... A: Yes, that Astra set does look like it is a "starter special" with all the other equipment you need. ...
Starter	6/18/2009
Q: hey! I'm starting model rockerty And i was looking at some rockets and stuff This is what for sure I ... A: Alex, I'm not sure that the Astra kit is anything more than just a model rocket kit. The price and ...
Starter	6/16/2009
Q: hey! I'm starting model rockerty And i was looking at some rockets and stuff This is what for sure I ... A: Wow! I am impressed with your enthusiasm! You picked a great hobby, and you sure have started off ...
3-finned rockets	6/14/2009
Q: I am building a 3-finned rocket and I was wondering how to precisely install the fins so that they ... A: Before you give up on using the old "eyeball" method, you really should give it a try sometime. If ...
rockets for 8yo?	5/7/2009
Q: I have a son who is turning 8, and we are looking for a fun idea for his birthday party. Is there ... A: Wow, Melissa, you have picked one of the best parent-child hobbies you could find. You can keep it ...
Igniting E-engines vs A-D engines	4/25/2009
Q: I read a response here: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Model-Rocketry-2312/E-engine-ignition.htm I ... A: You may not realize it, but you have asked sort of a "trick" question. The other answer (about ...
stages vs. clustering	3/25/2009
Q: I am currently working on a model rocket competition for my honors physics class. The competition ... A: It sounds like you have a pretty fun physics class! I wish we had done some of this sort of thing ...
Cluster	3/18/2009
Q: I have a two engine cluster model in a BT-60 tube that is 34"long. I plan to launch it using a C6-7 ... A: You do not have to worry at all about over-pressurizing the BT60. Go right ahead and use a pair of ...
newtons ???? force and thrust	1/25/2009
Q: i am building a prepackage rocket and it talks about lbs of thrust...and i am not been able to find ... A: If you are asking about model rocket motor thrust, most blackpowder motors (like those made by Estes ...
Where to launch???	7/7/2008
Q: Dave. I read in another e-mail that you are in Ft Worth... I am also in Ft Worth. My sons and I ... A: Noelle, and welcome to the hobby! It is getting more and more difficult to find places to launch ...
sequential launch controller	6/2/2008
Q: Brian A: I will say right up front that I am not great at circuit design, and there is probably only a 50/50 ...
D powered BIG rocket	6/1/2008
Q: I would like to build a BIG D12-3 powered rocket. So here is the question, how big can I go? I ... A: Your plan sounds pretty good, with just a few safety measures. I really like "low and slow" flights ...
black powder	5/16/2008
Q: We have been set homework to find out what the black powder in Estes motors is made of. I have ... A: I am not trying to be a wise-guy, but the black powder in Estes motors is made of...wait for ...
Locations for launches	4/4/2008
Q: I am just starting out in model rocketry with my son. I have found a source for Estes rockets and ... A: Welcome to model rocketry! You are asking a very good question. To do things in a completely ...
Co2	3/31/2008
Q: Where can i see that vid plz its for my project at school. You know the one where they punture the ... A: I am sorry but I have not seen that video. I don't know where to send you. Maybe you could try a ...
COMPUTER PROGRAMS	3/15/2008
Q: HEY I WANTED TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY PROGRAMS WRITTEN IN BASIC FOR MODEL ROCKETS I JUST GOT MY TRS ... A: Wow, I'm not even sure I remember what a TRS 80 even looks like! To answer your question, sorry, no, ...

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