This year, we have decided to take on an ambitious challenge: building a rocket capable of reaching an altitude between 900 and 1000 meters. This project also includes installing an onboard camera to capture every moment of the flight. Our rocket will be powered by four Estes F15 engines.
However, we are encountering difficulties in designing an ejection system that would release the nose cone and the body tube at apogee. We considered using an E-match powered by a LiPo battery, paired with an altimeter to detect the apogee. However, we are concerned that this might damage the rocket or weaken certain parts of its structure.
Another idea would be to use an electromechanical system with a LiPo battery, a servo, and an altimeter. However, we are not yet sure of the best configuration to ensure that the servo properly separates the two components at the right moment.
Finally, we have thought of an alternative solution using an electromagnet. In this scenario, the altimeter, connected to a battery, would deactivate the electromagnet at apogee, allowing the cone to be ejected.
To successfully complete this project, we would need your help identifying the necessary components, which we could purchase from RobotShop, as well as advice on how to use them optimally. We would also greatly appreciate your guidance throughout this project. If you have better ideas for the ejection system, we are open to any suggestions.
Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide with this exciting project.
Here is the 3D model of the rocket, which is
divided into three parts. I would like the components to be placed between the nose cone and the base of the rocket, specifically within the body cylinder and the transition block. The combined length of the cylinder and the transition block is 33 cm, and the internal diameter of the cylinder is 4.5 cm. I can increase the diameter if necessary.
You have full discretion when it comes to purchasing the components, as I’m not very knowledgeable in this area. I would also appreciate any tutorials, advice, and overall guidance to successfully complete this project.
@Cedric007 thank you for the details. It looks like an interesting but simple design.
Using servo or electromagnet sound plausible, but I didn’t understand one thing. Does the nose cone needs to be really ejected (like aircraft catapult for example) or you just want to detach it during flight at certain point?
Thank you for your insights. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure yet whether the nose cone needs to be fully ejected or just detached at a certain point during flight. I’d love to get your opinion on this—what do you think would be the most effective approach? Ideally, I’m looking for something that’s as simple, lightweight, and reliable as possible.
Hello @igor_X Thank you for your insight! Since I’m not very experienced in this area, I’d like to explore both options a bit more. Could you help me understand how I could achieve a 99% success rate with a full ejection system versus an 80% success rate with just detaching the part? Any guidance or ideas you could share would be really helpful as I make this decision.
