RockSim Virtual Rocket Contest CONTEST - IS OVER! Contests:   All   Previous   Next

Essence's Model Rocketry Reviews (EMRR) is happy to introduce a new "virtual" rocket contest.

The theme for this contest is NASROC.

Dionne Vennard's Level 1 "NASROC"

In this contest you will be provided two rockets, one low power and one mid/high power, from our list of approved NASROC's. These will be provided to you randomly.

Your job will be to "improve" upon the design of the rocket as long as you don't change the exterior dimensions (length and diameter), shapes (fins and nose cone), quantity of fins, and the other requirements noted below.

You will also be allowed to submit your very own "rocket of the future" to show what you are able to do without NASROC's restrictions (although there will be a couple).

You will then compete with approved motors in a number of events.

To get started, simply send me an e-mail to get your two stock rocket RockSIM's.

NOTE:
This is a PERFECT contest to go after the Build Bonus!

ALSO NOTE:
Participating in this contest counts toward the 2007 EMRR Challenge.

Contest Requirements:

• RockSim Owners: Entry must be RKT files (any version)
• RockSim DEMO Entries: Entry must be from version 8 Demo
• Non-RockSim Entries: Entry must include all the details necessary to recreate the rocket in RockSim, which can then be tested in the RockSim version 8 Demo
• Name your Rocket
• Contestants may only have (1) entry per event
  • Submitted Entries can be changed up to the time of the deadline.
• Contestants must be on EMRR's eList to be eligible
• Build Bonus: Bonus points will be gained if you build, fly and produce pictures of any one of your rockets with commercial motors:
  • +1 point for picture of the rocket static
  • +1 point for picture of the rocket launching or descending
• Newbie Bonus: To encourage new contestants, bonus points will be awarded to first- and second-time contestants
  • +1.6 points for first-time entrants
  • +0.5 points for second-time entrants
• Early Bird Bonus: To reduce log-jams near the contest deadline early entrants will receive bonus points, based on the time they submit a qualified design that does not change.
  • If there are 10 entrants or less, the early-bird bonus will be +0.9 points for first entrant +0.8 points for second entrant etc. to 0.1 points for 9th entrant
  • If there are more than 10 entrants, the early-bird bonus will be (0.1 * Number of later entrants).
  • No early bird bonus during final week, regardless of order of entry
• Bonus points are added to the final score.
• Entries must be received by 7/13/2007.
• Contest will take place from After that :)

RockSim Rocket Design Requirements:

• Nose Cones:
  • Each rocket's nose cone length and shape match the original stock
• Body Tubes:
  • Each rocket's tubing length must match the original stock length
  • Each rocket's tubing outside diameter must match the original stock diameter
  • All tubing must come from RockSim database.
  • Tubing sections may not be longer than their database default lengths.
  • Tubing sections must be joined by realistic couplers, bulkheads, transitions, centering rings, or sleeves.
• Fins:
  • Each rocket's fin count, position, shape, and dimensions must match the original
  • Any Fin material with the exception of paper and poster board is valid for total motor thrust of < 80 Ns
  • Any Fin material with the exception of paper, poster board, cardboard and balsa is valid for total motor impulse of > 80Ns and < 160 Ns
  • Any Fin material with the exception of paper, poster board, cardboard, balsa, and basswood is valid for total motor thrust of > 160 Ns
  • Fins can not be any thinner than 3/16 (0.188") of an inch if balsa, cardboard, or paper, or 1/16" (0.063") if stronger material.
• Motor Configuration:
  • Each rocket's motor tube(s) are not to extend beyond the aft body tube
  • Motor configuration can be modified from original stock configuration
  • You must choose your motor(s) for each Event
  • All motors contained in this file are valid. (01-09-2007: Every Certified Rocket Motor (NAR/CAR/TRA)).
  • It is not necessary to fill all motor tubes for each event (although 1 motor is required).
  • Motor size may be one size smaller than the motor mount tube (i.e. 38 mm in 54 mm, 29 mm in 38 mm, etc…
  • Motor delays must be per the .eng file
  • No manual modification of the .eng file
  • No CHAD staging
  • No external motor mounts
  • Motor overhang will be the default 0.5 inches unless told otherwise.
  • Delayed ignition is allowed for up to 3 seconds
  • Any motor in the database may be used for staged configuration (not just black powder)
• Recovery:
  • Parachute and Streamers must be at least 0.001" thick.
  • Maximum size: Whatever will fit into the body tube (visually / realistically)
  • Minimum size: Speed at landing must be less than 20 feet/sec.
  • Must include a realistic shock cord.
• "Rocket of the Future":
  • No diameter or length may exceed the larger/longer of the two original rockets
  • Must be single-stage
  • Fin materials restrictions apply
• Other:
  • Launch lugs are OPTIONAL
  • Materials must be standard weights that are in the Rocksim database
  • Materials must be standard thickness that are in the Rocksim database
  • NO CP Overrides
  • NO Mass Overrides (other than those in the standard RockSim database)
  • Mass Objects ARE allowed for adjusting CG
  • Must have at least 1 caliber of stability (RockSim Based) when loaded with your selected motor(s)
  • Materials with bugs will be pointed out to participants for correction. Below are three known ones:
    • "1.3 oz. Ripstop Nylon (SkyAngle)" Streamer that weighs 0.103 ounces
    • Fins made from "G10 (PML 0.062"")" set to 0.125" thick that weigh 0.000 oz.
    • Use of Virtual-Newtonion priciples to create negative-drag fins first demonstrated by Chan Stevens
  • Select the rocket part colors and decals that your would like to see posted (Think NASCAR).

Contest Events:

Your rockets will participate in six events and will accumulate a total score. All events will use a 3-foot (36") launch tower and your choice of motor configuration for each event. For each event, you must also choose a launch angle, no more than +/- 20 degrees.

Scoring will be weighted so that the provided designs are 40% each of your score and the "Rocket of the Future" will be 20%.

• RockSIM Conditions (Unless otherwise specified)
• LAUNCH CONDITIONS (simulation/prepare for launch)
• CONTEST CONDITIONS (simulation/prepare for launch)
• SIMULATION PROPERTIES (simulation/prepare for launch)
• ROCKET DESIGN ATTRIBUTES (design page)
• SIMULATION SETTINGS (edit/preferences)
• Launch Guide Length: 36 inches
• DQ Conditions:
  • Your landing speed is higher than 20 feet/sec.
• DQ Results:
  • No points just for that event.

1. Time Trials & Control: each of your (3) three rockets will fly to establish poll position. The fast time to 1000 ft will be combined with the slowest speed at ejection to establish a score for this event. The top 10 will receive a Time Trial Bonus (TT) with 1st place receiving 1.0, 2nd receiving 0.9 and so on that will be applied to the total points at the end.
2. Straight-away Speed: each of your (3) three rockets will demonstrate their maximum speed (velocity)... safely.
3. 1/2 Mile Track with Restrictor Plate: each of your (3) three rockets will fly to as close to 1/2 mile (2640 ft) as possible without going over -and- without exceeding 400 ft/sec maximum velocity.
4. Pit Stop: The score for this event will be based on a combined ranking from each of these categories.
   4a) Lowest Apogee
   4b) Fastest flight time
   DQ Condition: The bottom stage must clear the tower, and the upper stage must reach at least 50 feet altitude to qualify.
5. Last Lap: The score for this event will be based on a combined ranking from each of these categories while being flown with the these conditions
   5a) Fastest time to clear the tower
   5b) Longest time to landing
   5c) Closest landing to pad
6. Sponsor-Appeal: choose (1) one of the (2) two provided rockets as your team's show piece. This one will be voted on to determine the best looking and most creative finish combination. The objective is to follow the theme of the contest and draw the attention of sponsors and fans!
7. Lap Bonus: There are 24 laps, or rather, 24 opportunities to be best at an event or component of an event. For example in Event #1 there is Fastest to 1000 ft and Slowest Ejection. That is two components of an event times (x) three rockets equals (=) six laps. The lap leader will enjoy a 1.0 point bonus, 2nd will receive 0.9, etc. until 0.0 points or until there is an entrant with zero leading laps.

CLICK HERE FOR Q A

CLICK HERE FOR "The Rocketry Forum" Discussion Thread

CLICK HERE FOR Fine Print

     SUBMIT to HERE:           

PRIZE TABLE^*:

Apogee Components	(1) copy of SMARTSim: a RockSim add-on software that allows you to run multiple RockSim simulations automatically to zero-in on an optimized result. (betcha wish you had this right now!)
Quest Aerospace	(1) Nike-Terrier and (1) Shuttle Intrepid kits
Thrustline Aerospace	(1) Double-Up Rocket
Public Missiles	(1) Callisto Rocket
Aerospace Speciality Products	(1) WAC Corporal w/ Tiny Tim Rocket
Binder Design	(1) Spike Rocket
Squirrel Works	(1) Cloud Warrior Rocket
LOC / Precision	(1) Graduator Rocket
FlisKits	(1) Cheetah Rocket
Aerotech	(1) Initiator Rocket
Art Applewhite Rockets	Any Style of Flying Saucer kit of your choice of design up to a 29mm motor mount.
SpaceCAD	(1) SpaceCAD Registration License

Let the Games Begin!

Newbies should click here.

ROCKETEER	NAME OF ROCKET TEAM	FILE	BONUSES BB  EEB  NB			Final Standing
#5 - Chan Stevens	The Forum		-	-	-	1
(Click to Enlarge)
Precision. You aren't going to believe this. Seasoned vetnin here and he showed it. The most amazing was in the 1/2 Miler coming within 0.04 feet of the exact mark. Then came in at 0.07 of the 50 foot mark in the Pit Stop. Used an interesting technique in the Last Lap though and actually angled with the wind.
#1 - Todd Mullin	#33 Rolling Rock		-	0.9	-	2
(Click to Enlarge)
Love the lines and the techniques of an experienced "virtual" flyer. Excellent flyer having the lead in the race 7 times with a "good looking" rocket and excellent control in the Last Lap staying tightly in the lines (range).
#4 - Andy Peart	#23 Dr Pepper		-	-	-	3
(Click to Enlarge)
Holy Cow!..was my first reation on Andy's 2-stage. Here we saw some real performance waves, especially in this Dr. Pepper model... popping off of pad in 0.044 seconds for the last lap. That was 30% faster than any other rocket. Truely this rocket was untouchable for speed!
#3 - Ron Wirth	#41 Energizer		-	0.7	0.5	4
(Click to Enlarge)
How cool is that!? Thanks for capturing the theme. An upper 2/3rds flier with the best-looking, themed rocket out there. When the sponsors he'll get for the next contest, he ought to be able to tweak his performance a bit more. Came within 3 tenths of taking 3rd place.
#6 - Dave Austerberry	Team A.M.		-	-	-	5
(Click to Enlarge)
Even though this one came in at the last minute there were a few shining moments. Fast Pit Stop around with 4.276 seconds. Also, while doing his Rocket of the Future Time Trial, showed that he could compete with the best of them.
#2 - Ian Cinnamon	Best Looking!		-	0.8	1.6	6
(Click to Enlarge)
You turned this around in like 3-days... you need to compete more often. What can we say? Rookie of the event! Okay, that's fair. Let's see what you can do next time.

NASROC
Final Standings

EVENT FINALS - (click here)

EVENT #1 :

Time Trials & Control: each of your (3) three rockets will fly to establish poll position. The fast time to 1000 ft will be combined with the slowest speed at ejection to establish a score for this event. The top 10 will receive a Time Trial Bonus (TT) with 1st place receiving 1.0, 2nd receiving 0.9 and so on that will be applied to the total points at the end.

EVENT #1 - (click here)

EVENT #2 :

Straight-away Speed: each of your (3) three rockets will demonstrate their maximum speed (velocity)... safely.

EVENT #2 - (click here)

EVENT #3 :

1/2 Mile Track with Restrictor Plate: each of your (3) three rockets will fly to as close to 1/2 mile (2640 ft) as possible without going over -and- without exceeding 400 ft/sec maximum velocity.

EVENT #3 - (click here)

EVENT #4 :

Pit Stop: The score for this event will be based on a combined ranking from each of these categories.
4a) Lowest Apogee
4b) Fastest flight time
DQ Condition: The bottom stage must clear the tower, and the upper stage must reach at least 50 feet altitude to qualify.

EVENT #4 - (click here)

EVENT #5 :

Last Lap: The score for this event will be based on a combined ranking from each of these categories while being flown with the these conditions
5a) Fastest time to clear the tower
5b) Longest time to landing
5c) Closest landing to pad

EVENT #5 - (click here)

QA

• How do I get my files?
  • Send me a request... easiest way is the feedback button on the top horizontal menu!

• If we submit a design and it doesn't qualify for some reason, are we allowed to rework the design and resubmit or even submit a new design?
  • Yes, either, both...we will review them and let you know.

• What is the measure for the one caliber rocket stability requirement Barrowman or Rocksim?
  • RockSim.

• How are Contest Points scored?
  • An event "placement score" is determined based on your rank. First place gets 10 points, second place 7 points, third place 5 points, fourth place 4 points, fifth place 3 points, sixth place 2 points, seventh place and below get 1 flight point. If you DQ due to excessive landing speed your score would be zero (must be a qualified flight to score).
  • Your overall ranking will be based on your total score for the five events.
  • All Bonuses will be applied after all points are scored.

• Aren't the RockSim 8 and less going to be upset about not being able to use the latest RockSim variations?
  • No, RockSim 8.0 Demo is now available at Apogee

• How about using the other software?
  • Okay. What do you have? We will need to build up your model in RockSim 8.0 to participate.

• Drag coefficient: Should we use the default Cd (0.75 for sustainer, 0.78 and 0.80 for boosters), or should we calculate Cd at simulation time?
  • Calculate at Simulation Time. Also, it will be set to "Use the Rocksim Simulation equation in simulations".

* The actual number of prizes issued will not except 3/4ths of the number of contest entries (e.g. if there are 10 prizes and only 10 entries, only 7 prizes will be issued). EMRR assumes no responsibility for the prize once it leaves our or the prize donor's location. EMRR is not liable for any damages or injury caused by the assembly or use of the prize.