Launch #3

Today was the third launch day, in which we performed two launches.  Our previous rocket design on the second launch day consisted of 4 triangular fins.  In the most recent design we have made a some major modifications including new fins, a cone, weights and a parachute.  Video 1 shows our first trial:

The air time for this rocket was 7 seconds. Video 2 shows our second trial:

In our second trial Taylor added another rock to the top of the bottle to create more mass.  This seemed to increase our height and time in the air.  In both trials there was no deployment of our parachute.  This is due to the fact that the nose cone is pushed on against the top of the rocket when going up and becomes pushed down so hard that it does not fall off in descent.  According to TopBits.com, the point where the rocket starts its descent is called apogee.  I researched parachute deployment and this site, http://scioly.org/wiki/Bottle_Rocket, gave me information on how to help the parachute deploy.  It suggests  supporting the cone with tabs or a margarine lid so that it does not become stuck onto the bottle and at apogee, will the parachute will deploy.  For our next modification we will try tabs on our rocket to support the cone.  Other than that modification I feel that our fins, which were more streamline and lower on the bottle created better stability.  Our cone works well but with the new modification should fall off at apogee.  The increased weight we added to the top of the rocket was a good modification because it increased the airtime.  We still donʻt know how the parachute will fair but hopefully we will get the chance to see it on Launch 4 day.