9.4.f Regarding Streamers Part 1
Description
This article is from the Model Rockets FAQ, by Wolfram von Kiparski with numerous contributions by others.
9.4.f Regarding Streamers Part 1
From John DeMar:
> What are some of the ways that you have used to attach mylar
> streamers to Kevlar shock cord? The mylar tears really easily so I
> am afraid to punch a hole in it. Also any suggestions on folding the
> streamer? Is this legal in NAR competitions? The "pink book" rules
> seem rather vague. I would like to enter a streamer duration
> contest for fun, but I haven't done streamers before. Any
> suggestions would be most appreciated.
To attach the Kevlar shock cord to the streamer, use a piece of thin
steel wire (music wire) or nylon fishing line. Tape this about 1/2"
from the end, parallel to the end (ie: 5" long wire for a 5" wide
streamer). Fold the end over the wire and tape again. Then, punch a
small hole just above the wire and reinforce the hole with strong
tape. Tie the kevlar through the whole and around the internal wire
with a couple of strong knots. Put a touch of CyA glue on the knot if
you'd like to make sure it doesn't come off.
The "pink book" doesn't say anything about folding, but you need to
use a single continuous piece of streamer material. Folding has been
the subject of many NAR R&D reports and everyone has their own ideas
on what is best. For small streamers, A 1/2" accordian fold for about
1/2 the length works well for me. This can be rolled up nicely into a
13mm tube.
For larger streamers, some people have had good luck with a slight
zig-zag fold for most of the length, but it needs a bigger body
tube. The goal of this type of fold is to get a draggier whipping
action.
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