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

In March of 2003, Essence's Model Rocketry Reviews (EMRR) introduced the idea of "Virtual" Rocket Contests. After 7 contests, we are impressed with the participation and fun they have been. To celebrate and have some more fun, we are introducing this "Virtual" Rocket Contest: "Virtual" Reunion.

The contest is geared for any one, but we are hoping to get all 46 individuals that have participated in "Virtual" Rocket Contests previously. Please help me do that and while you're at it, invite someone new. Here are all the previous participants:

53.3% Responded - 42.2% Entered + 7 Newbies!
(P) = found old e-mail address

We have made this contest very similiar to the first "Virtual" contest, but added some of the learning that has been gained. Yes, grab your copy of RockSim (or the Demo version) and build a rocket that meets the requirements below and we will have a virtual "flying" contest in August!

Contest Requirements:

• RockSim Owners: Entry must be (1) RKT files (any version)
• RockSim DEMO Entries: Entry must include the following:
  • All the information from the Parts List
  • A drawing of your fins with dimensions clearly indicated
  • Thickness of your fins (material is in Parts List)
  • Location of your fins with reference to the rear of the rocket in inches
  • Please contact EMRR beforehand for tips on submitting demo entries
  • Demo entries may require follow-up questions from the judges to ensure that what we judge is an accurate copy of what you intended
• Name your Rocket
• Contestants may only have (1) entry
• Contestants must be on EMRR's Announcement List to be eligible
• Build Bonus: Bonus points will be gained if you build, fly and produce pictures of the rocket:
  • +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 contestants, early entrants will receive bonus points, based on the time they submit a qualified design.
  • 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 9/4/2005.
• Contest will take place from 9/5 - 9/10.

CLICK HERE FOR Q A

CLICK HERE FOR Fine Print

RockSim Rocket Design Requirements:

• 24mm motor, single
• At least three different diameters of body tubes for exterior body
• One body tube must be at least 4x the length of any other
• The shortest body tube must be at least 3" in length
• There must be at least 2 sets of fins, different shapes and the bottom of the root edge at a different place
• One set of fins must be either 2 or 6 in the set
• Materials must be standard weights that are in the rocksim database
• Materials must be standard thicknesses that are in the rocksim database
• Fins can not be any thinner than 1/16" of an inch
• Must include realistic recovery and launch lugs (motor hook is optional)
• NO CP Overrides
• NO Mass Overrides
• NO Mass Objects for adjusting weight and CP other than normal required items like shock cord, eye-screws, etc.
• Must have at least 1 caliber of stability with an Estes E9 loaded (note if your motor mount is shorter (like D12), then the E9 will stick out the back further... stability of 1 caliber is still required)
• Materials with bugs will be pointed out to participants for correction. Below are two 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

Contest Events:

• Your rocket will be flown in (4) "contest" conditions events and will accumulate a total score:
  • Versatility: your rocket will fly in "contest" conditions with (3) "contest" motors. The conditions and motors will not be disclosed. The placement score for each flight will be the Maximum Altitude (ft) * Rocket Weight (oz) (See Results)
  • Max Altitude: your rocket will fly with a "contest mass override", "contest conditions", and a "contest" motor. The placement score will be the Altitude (ft). (See Results)
  • Slow and Low: your rocket will fly in "contest" conditions with (1) "contest" motor. The placement score will be based on highest Time to Apogee (sec) and lowest Altitude (ft). (See Results)
  • Drag Race: your rocket will fly on a 24mm motor and at a launch angle of your choosing . All motors contained in this file are valid. (engine_file_rocksim_certified_motors.zip. The score for this event will be based on a combined ranking from each of these categories.
    4a) Fastest time to clear the tower
    4b) Longest time to landing
    4c) Closest landing to pad
  • Flight Conditions:
    • Launch Guide Length: 36 inches
    • Stability: RockSIM method
    • CD: Calculate at Simulation Time (RockSIM)
    • Deployment: Deploy at engine ejection
    • Misfires: None
    • Exception: For the Drag Race, the wind speed will be between 2 and 8 MPH, No variability. All contestants will use the same wind speed, but that speed will not be revealed in advance. Please select a launch angle of +/- 30 degrees
  • DQ Conditions
    • It will be almost impossible to DQ, and randomness is almost completely eliminated.

* NOTE: All "contest" settings and entries will not be disclosed until all entries are in!

• Submission Checklist
  • RockSim RKT file
  • Rocket Name
  • Motor Event #4:
  • Launch Angle (+/-30 degrees) Event #4:

PRIZE TABLE (Can you contribute? Earn a point in the EMRR Challenge by contributing under your name!):

Anonymous Guest	(1) Estes Exoskell Kit
Anonymous Guest	(2) Edmond CiCi Kits
Anonymous Guest	(1) Estes Scissor Wing Transport Kit
Apogee Components	(1) CD-ROM of the "Building Skill Level 1 Model Rockets" by Tim Van Milligan
QModeling	(1) MRS-VIPER
QuickBurst	One $10 Gift Certificate for something of your choice!
Art Applewhite Rockets	Any Style of Flying Saucer kit of your choice of design up to a 38mm motor mount.
RocketFlite	One complete Electric Match Package: 1- ML-KIT *PLUS* Choice of (2): 1-bag of ML-12 1-bag of ML-24 1-bag of ML-48 1-bag ML-72
Aerotech	(1) Mustang Rocket Kit

Let the Games Begin!

Click Here to Get all Files in ZIP Pack

ROCKETEER	NAME OF ROCKET	FILE	BONUSES BB  NB  EBB			Final STANDING
#1 - Chan Stevens	Zeus Buster!		0	0	2.7	1
Drag Race = F72-10 (-30)
Is Chan's conquest over? Is he now unbeatable (especially without EMRR competing!) His strategy of having the first entry allowed him to squeak past Austerberry, who won overall without bonus points applied.
#24 - Dave Austerberry	Unknown Variable		0	0	0	2
Drag Race = F72-10 (-21.4)
Dave is back with a sleek design and really proved to be the point winner in the drag race. Bob Cox would have beat him outright though.
#2 - Steve Naquin	Reunited Ripper		0	0	2.6	3
Drag Race = G55-15 (-2)
Solid performance for a rocket that reminds me of a worm. Sorry, Steve, but nice finish.
#20 - Douglas Gardei	Cosmo Probe		0	0	0.8	4
Drag Race = F39-9 (-5)
Love the detail and look at where this F39 placed against the F72 and G55's!
#25 - Andy Peart	Illegal Penguin		0	1.6	0	5
Drag Race = G55-15 (-3)
Highest scoring Newbie. That is something to be proud of. Now come compete when luck isn't a driving, err, flying factor!
#22 - Jeff Lane	Biopsy Maximus		0	0.5	0	6
Drag Race = F72-15 (-30)
Jeff blows away the field in events #1 and #2. But suffered with mediocre performance in events #3 and #4.
#10 - Brandon Harrison	VRCD-8		2.0	1.6	1.8	7
Drag Race = F72-10 (-26.5)
Another Newbie with a great showing and the first entry to submit build and flight pictures. Way to go!
#17 - Chris Coffin	GoldmemberX v2.0		0	0.5	1.1	8
Drag Race = F72-10 (-13.562)
Welcome back Chris. Nice job in the altitude event.
#19 - Jim Myers	Sappy		0	0	0.9	9
Drag Race = F72-10 (0)
I don't understand "Sappy"... I would have named it Techni-color! Made it to the top 10, regardless.
#11 - Geoffrey Kerbel	Global Flyer		2.0	1.6	1.7	10
Drag Race = F39-9 (-15)
Another "Virtual" to "Real" rocket. Nice futuristic looks too.
#7 - Phil Handley	Core Sampler		0	1.6	2.1	11
Drag Race = G37-6 (-10)
Welcome, Phil. I see higher placements in your future.
#9 - Layne Pemberton	VR-3 Tequila Sunrise		0	1.6	1.9	12
Drag Race = F72-10 (3.126)
Layne you are now officially EMRR'ized. You will not be able to stop.
#6 - Bill Cooke	Go 4th		1.0	0.5	2.2	13
Drag Race = E30-7 (5)
Bill Cooke built it and was waiting for good weather to fly it. Nice profile.
#15 - Bob Cox	Retribution of Zeus		0	0	1.3	14
Drag Race = F72-None (-1)
Bob? Bob? Where has the "real" Bob Cox gone too?
#12 - Claude Paquin	Gold Rush		0	0	1.6	15
Drag Race = E30-7 (-30)
Claude's rocket is tipped with a 24K Gold Nose Cone... really.
#26 - Andrew Dobos	Gaussius 1		0	1.6	0	16
Drag Race = E9-6 (0)
Andrew, you did well for your first contest. What does Gaussius mean?
#18 - Mark Thompson	Antares Hawk		0	1.6	1.0	17
Drag Race = F21-8 (-7)
My eyes bugged out when I saw Mark's entry. Very neat and stylish for a Newbie!
#21 - Jeff Henry	Hank		0	0.5	0	18
Drag Race = F39-9 (-28)
Jeff was late in seeing my calls for a reunion, but dropped everything and threw together an entry for the sake of it. Thanks.
#23 - Clive Davis	Porpoise with a Purpose		0	0	0	19
Drag Race = E30-7 (-30)
Clive, what are we going to do with you?
#13 - Michael Mangieri	Steel Raptor		0	0	1.5	20
Drag Race = D12-7 (0)
One of my personal favorites for looks. Might have over-looked the other motor possibilities for the drag race.
#27 - Peter Stanley	Needle Rocket		0	1.6	0	21
Drag Race = F32-10 (1)
Peter you were last but not last, and first but not first. (This is deep stuff here).
#3 - Frank Ross	Reunificator!		0	0	2.5	22
Drag Race = E28-5 (-17)
Frank's hidden motor rocket was interesting. Download the RKT and see for yourself.
#14 - Morgan Lee	Da Hip Chicken		0	0.5	1.4	23
Drag Race = F72-10 (-25)
Morgan, we loved your chicken in VC#3, and we love it more now. Thanks for coming back.
#16 - Nathan Schoenkin	Rocket In Pocket 2005		0	0	1.2	24
Drag Race = F32-12 (-2)
Great looking rocket Nathan. Time to get it out of the pocket and into the air. See you next contest.
#4 - Todd Mullin	XF-19 Kestrel		0	0	2.4	25
Drag Race = G55-10 (-30)
Do you all see how large this rocket is? Todd, if you build it...
#5 - Bruce Levison	Twin Boomer		2.0	0	2.3	26
Drag Race = F72-5 (-30)
The absolute best stretch of the build criteria, hands down! Did a RockSIM calculation impact the performance? News at 11.
#8 - Eric Maglio	Night Hawk		0	0	2.0	27
Drag Race = F72-10 (7)
Eric. I for one was rooting for you. Don't give up with that demo software.

Event #1

Versatility: your rocket will fly in "contest" conditions with (3) "contest" motors. The conditions and motors will not be disclosed. The placement score for each flight will be the Maximum Altitude (ft) * Rocket Weight (oz)

Your rocket flew in RockSIM default conditions with ZERO wind using a C11-None, E6-None, and M900-None. The M900 is the Ratt Works motor with the diameter, length, empty and propellant weight all changed to match an Estes E9.

Well, the first time EMRR ran a "Virtual Contest" some complained about the "luck" factor. With so many unknowns, that plays a part.

These results are a re-run with the sampling rate at 2000 verses 800. This was necessary to get rid of the false unstable flights.

Event #2

Max Altitude: your rocket will fly with a "contest mass override", "contest conditions", and a "contest" motor. The placement score will be the Altitude (ft).

Your rocket flew in RockSIM default conditions with ZERO wind using an Aerotech F101T-None. All rockets were set to 7.0 ounces and the Sustainer CG as designed.

This was interesting to see the range of altitudes based on the designs submitted when weight and motor were standardized.

Event #3

Slow and Low: your rocket will fly in "contest" conditions with (1) "contest" motor. The placement score will be based on highest Time to Apogee (sec) and lowest Altitude (ft).

Your rocket flew in RockSIM default conditions with ZERO wind using an Estes E9-8.

Event #4

Drag Race: your rocket will fly on a 24mm motor and at a launch angle of your choosing . All motors contained in this file are valid. (engine_file_rocksim_certified_motors.zip. The score for this event will be based on a combined ranking from each of these categories.
4a) Fastest time to clear the tower
4b) Longest time to landing
4c) Closest landing to pad

Flight conditions were a constant 3mph wind and no thermals.

QA

• 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?
  • Each of the events have a "placement score" described. That placement score will then be reversed ranked by the total number of entries. This will give the maximum number of points to the winner in the event. For example, if there are (4) entries and in contest #2 (maximum altitude) and entry #1 gets 800 feet, #2 810 feet, #3 750 feet and #4 950 feet. Then the scores will be 2 points for #3, 3 points for #1, 1 point for #2 and 4 points for #4.
• You say materials must be those listed in RockSim ... can I build/design any part using those materials?
  • Yes, you may. This does not imply that you have to take the part from the database.
• In the events that are described, is the Maximum Altitude the maximum possible (excluding the delay of the motor(s) chosen) or actual predicted (including the delay of the motor(s))? I.e., a design could go 1500 feet on a C6-7 but less on a C6-5 because of early ejection.
  • There will be set motors for Events 1, 2, and 3 with set delays. For event 4, you choose the motor.
• Aren't the RockSim 5 and 6 users going to be upset about not being able to use the RockSim 7 variations? How about using the other software?
  • 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".
• I didn’t see anything about dual deployment (i.e. drogue chute and main chute). Is that allowed?
  • No, you must use the "Deploy at engine ejection" option

The winners agree to write a kit review using the format guidelines included in EMRR's site. Previous winners are eligible for future Rocket Give-Away. EMRR assumes no responsibility for the kit once it leaves our location. EMRR is not liable for any damages or injury caused by the assembly or use of the kit.