Effects of Different Fin Shapes on Apogee and Stability of Model Rockets

The main aim of this study is to examine the effects of geometric sizing parameters of different fin shapes on apogee and stability of model rockets using response surface method. Four different fin variants which are clipped delta, swept, trapezoidal and triangular are examined separately within the content of this research. Effects of the variation of certain geometric parameters such as: span, root chord, tip chord, sweep angle, and thickness of the fin on apogee and stability of the model rockets are examined for each the fin shapes. Apogee and stability calculations are accomplished on Open Rocket Simulator for a generic model rocket that is designed to deliver 8 kg payload to 7 km altitude. As a result of this work, using the advantageous of the response surface method the most effective parameters on apogee and stability of the model rockets are determined for each different fin variants. The results of this research provide to model rocket designers to produce much more efficient fins that are suitable for their mission.