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Which Is The Optimum Model Rocket Fin Shape To Reach The Highest Altitude?

The project aimed to determine the optimal fin shape for model rockets to achieve the highest altitude. After testing various fin shapes, the asymmetrical parallelogram was found to significantly enhance altitude performance compared to other shapes. The project involved multiple launches and careful measurement of altitude results.

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canderlalezumra
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52 views1 page

Which Is The Optimum Model Rocket Fin Shape To Reach The Highest Altitude?

The project aimed to determine the optimal fin shape for model rockets to achieve the highest altitude. After testing various fin shapes, the asymmetrical parallelogram was found to significantly enhance altitude performance compared to other shapes. The project involved multiple launches and careful measurement of altitude results.

Uploaded by

canderlalezumra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CALIFORNIA SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FAIR

2018 PROJECT SUMMARY

Name(s) Project Number


Lalitha S. Dhyaram
J0105
Project Title
Which Is the Optimum Model Rocket Fin Shape to Reach the Highest
Altitude?
Abstract
Objectives/Goals
The objective of this project is to determine which fin shape will allow a model rocket to reach the highest
altitude.
Methods/Materials
Estes Alpha III model rockets, poster board and balsa wood sheet. Make new fin mounts by cutting
different fin shapes out of balsa wood and making new fin mount tubes with poster board; replace Estes
plastic fin mounts. Rockets are assembled with new and varying fin mounts. Launch each model rocket 3
times, recording both the inclinometer and altimeter results for each flight.
Results
Assembled rockets had the following fin shapes; (trapezoid, rectangle, square, triangle, clipped delta,
asymmetrical parallelogram, elliptical, pointed ark, & original Estes model). Averages by test number to
the nearest centimeter bring these overall results - 40.29 m, 36.08 m, 41.26 m, 45.28 m, 45.02 m, 54.61 m,
40.82 m, 40.66 m, and 39.43 m respectively to the fin shape order given. These results suggest that the
asymmetrical parallelogram fin shape on a model rocket is the best in reaching the highest altitude.
Conclusions/Discussion
Repeated launch trials of 9 model rockets with different fin shapes showed that the asymmetrical
parallelogram fin shape performed better than the other fin shapes. This means that having a fin mount
with asymmetrical parallelogram shaped fins made from balsa wood on a model rocket provides a
significant increase to the altitude reached by the model rocket.

Summary Statement
I measured the altitude that each model rocket reached and found that the asymmetrical parallelogram fin
shape is the best fin shape on a model rocket to reach the highest altitude.

Help Received
I designed the fin shapes and assembled the rockets myself. I got help from my Science teacher in
reviewing my project reports. I got help from my mom in cutting out the fin shapes from the balsa wood. I
got assistance from my parents for transportation to the launch site.

Ap2/18

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