Ping Pong Parachute B/C

[HippoLowercase]

Does anyone know how to reinforce the parachute to keep it from folding inwards?

[CookiePie1]

Does anyone know how to reinforce the parachute to keep it from folding inwards?

what do you mean by folding inwards? is your parachute separating and not opening up? maybe you can try dusting with cornstarch or baby powder to prevent sticking/static

[builderguy135]

Does anyone know how to reinforce the parachute to keep it from folding inwards?

I'm assuming you mean that the parachute is collapsing. Only way to fix is to add weight on the ball or decrease weight of the parachute.

[Airco2020]

not sure if we mentioned this already but are there any ways to prevent flipping at the peak height? other than the tube design

The tube design actually promotes flipping at peak height
You can shift the center of gravity downwards toward the center of pressure by adding weight to the bottom, or move the center of pressure upwards toward the center of gravity by reducing the size of the fins.

What is the "center of pressure" and how do you determine this?

[eagerlearner102]

Does anyone know how to reinforce the parachute to keep it from folding inwards?

Same problem here! I have listed the following possible problems:
-Cords too long?
- Middle hole is a bit too big
- Material of string (fishing line, not straight)
- Too big parachute?
- Didn't tape ping pong ball properly
Do any of you guys know what could be the issue?

[mynameisbob]

Hi, whats a good rule-of-thumb size for my parachute? Is there anything that seems to work best?

[CookiePie1]

Hi, whats a good rule-of-thumb size for my parachute? Is there anything that seems to work best?

I don't think there really is a rule of thumb size. It depends on the thickness of your material, the length and material of your cords, and the overall weight of the parachute and ping pong ball. I've seen some small parachutes and some really big parachutes. The key to a good parachute is finding the greatest amount of lift (area) to the lowest mass possible, and actually getting it to deploy properly.

[Hartman]

Does anyone know how to reinforce the parachute to keep it from folding inwards?

Same problem here! I have listed the following possible problems:
-Cords too long?
- Middle hole is a bit too big
- Material of string (fishing line, not straight)
- Too big parachute?
- Didn't tape ping pong ball properly
Do any of you guys know what could be the issue?

check for the string lengths to see if all the strings are of equal length.

(Assuming rocket launch is straight) check your rocket to see if the parachute might be getting caught on anything. Strings like to wrap around stuff, from personal observation.

[donutsandcupcakes]

I'm sure someone probably already asked this but what are some successful materials to use for the fins. We are using plastic folders to cut out the fins, and we are making our fins pretty small, and I've noticed that other teams use bigger fins. So could someone pls suggest a succesful materiala and size for the fins. I understand if you dont wanna give away ur design, but any information will be of great help.

Thx,
donutsandcupcakes:)

[CookiePie1]

I'm sure someone probably already asked this but what are some successful materials to use for the fins. We are using plastic folders to cut out the fins, and we are making our fins pretty small, and I've noticed that other teams use bigger fins. So could someone pls suggest a succesful materiala and size for the fins. I understand if you dont wanna give away ur design, but any information will be of great help.

Thx,
donutsandcupcakes:)

You can try cardboard or corrugated plastic (which is plastic cardboard). I've also seen some designs with no fins. Depending on where your parachute sits on the rocket, the fins may be more or less useful, which sort of depends on the aerodynamics of the rocket ig. You can also adjust the center of mass by adding larger or smaller fins.