I have to go outside for the sanding and chemical work. I am strengthening the LOC IV to withstand the pressure wave and fin flutter of Mach 1 and 47 G’s of acceleration on a J350 motor (according to Rocksim). I coated the fins with JB Weld and added a metal motor retention nozzle, metal clamps for the kevlar shock cord, and a kevlar chute protector. JB Weld can be used to repair cracked engine blocks on tractors, but will probably not be strong enough. The more experienced rocketeers recommend fiberglass or carbon fiber.
The baby in my other hand is the nose cone for my new V2 project. I sank metal pins through the tip to secure 1.5 lbs of lead buck shot and epoxy (to shift the center of gravity ahead of the center of pressure, the essential rule in the “rocket science” of stability).
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